MacRumors reports that two former engineers at Mercedes have joined Apple’s Special Projects group. Based on their experience and expertise, it can be assumed the new hires will work on the development of Apple Car, the Cupertino tech giant’s alleged autonomous passenger vehicle.
Previously, it was reported that Kevin Lynch, Apple’s health and Apple Watch, and Ulrich Kranz, a former BMW executive and CEO of Canoo Inc. joined the company’s Apple Car division.
Development of Apple Car is picking pace as new talent joins the company
Apple Car is part of Project Titan which launch in 2014. However, internal conflicts and other issues shelved the project in 2016. But rumors started making rounds in 2020, that Apple is vigorously working on its ambitious electric vehicle (EV) project and adding expert members to the team. MacRumors has learned that;
The leading new hire previously worked at Mercedes, focusing on mass production of vehicles, vehicle steering, dynamics, and software and project management. The hire, now working as a product design engineer at Apple at its “Special Projects Group,” also previously worked at Porsche, undertaking similar responsibilities. A second engineer who previously worked at Mercedes has also recently been tapped by Apple to join the company,
Recently, it was reported that the tech giant is on a visit to Asia to finalize the supply chain for its EV. The company alleged talked with several Korean EV components manufacturers including LG, SK Group, and Hanwha. Apple is reportedly in talks with Japan’s Toyota Motors for EV assembling. In addition, the California Department of Motor Vehicle documents reveal that Apple has expanded its autonomous vehicle testing fleet from 66 to 69 cars, and from 72 drivers to 92. All of the sources indicate that working on the autonomous Apple Car is picking up pace. Having said that, the alleged EV is not set to launch before 2024 or 2027.
