Apple has been slowly poaching some of Daimler’s top talent for its own car project that is nearly ready for testing, but according to Daimler CEO, Dieter Zetsche, it wouldn’t be totally inconceivable for Apple and the Mercedes-maker to work together on a future automotive project.
Zetsche said that “different types” of cooperation with Apple and Google are possible in the future, as carmakers have realized they need software experts and telecoms to help create the next-generation of automobiles.
“Google and Apple want to provide system software for cars and bring this entire ecosystem around Apple and Google into the vehicle,” the Daimler CEO said in an interview with Deutsche Unternehmerboerse. “That can be interesting for both sides.”
Apple has revved up development of it’s electric car, dubbed Project Titan, and is looking to test whatever it’s working on at the GoMentum Station 2,100 acre facility that once served as a Naval base. Tim Cook and other Apple execs have also reportedly looked for help with the project by visiting BMW to discuss using the German car maker’s i3 electric car as the basis for the Apple Car.
While Zetsche clarified that his comments of collaboration are completely theoretical right now. While he admitted such a deal “can be interesting for both sides,” the Daimler CEO said he will never allow his company to be a mere supplier for Apple.
“We don’t want to become contractors who have no direct content with customers any more and supply hardware to third parties,” Zetsche said.
