In recent weeks, rumors about the Apple Car have been increasing. Now Foxconn is adding fuel to the fire.
The Apple Car has been documented several times in the rumor mill in recent weeks. Now Bloomberg is reporting that Apple's long-term manufacturing partner Foxconn wants to enter the automotive business. The company obviously wants to establish itself in this area. Could Foxconn manufacture the Apple Car? is called it in the report:
Foxconn is joining forces with Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. to provide manufacturing and consulting services to global auto companies, the companies said in a statement Wednesday.
Apple Car: Still at least five years away
In a previous report, Bloomberg stated that the Apple Car is at least five years away. The news site is sticking to that statement, as shown in its latest report.
Because development work is still in its early stages, it will take Apple at least half a decade to bring an autonomous electric vehicle to market, people with knowledge of the effort told Bloomberg News, suggesting the company is in no hurry to decide on potential auto industry partners.
Apple isn't the only company Foxconn is focusing on when it comes to electric vehicle production. The manufacturer is developing a chassis and parts for a potential range of brands.
Rumors should be viewed with skepticism
Foxconn, whose main listed arm is Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., unveiled its first-ever EV chassis in October and a software platform designed to help automakers bring models to market faster. It plans to ship the first development kit in April, with Hon Hai Chairman Young Liu saying EV-related business will be "very good" in the first half. Meanwhile, Foxconn's key unit Foxconn Technology Co. is reportedly building out a plant to develop metal parts for the automotive industry.
Despite all the rumors, the whole thing should be treated with caution. Whether Apple will ever present its own autonomous vehicle remains an open question. According to reports, Cupertino could end up just developing software and making it available to other car manufacturers. So the whole thing is sure to remain exciting. On offer: MagSafe Duo charger 18 percent cheaper (Photo by PavelVinnik / Bigstockphoto)
