Could Magna build Apple car?
BMW and Daimler back off on plan to build electric iCar
Canadian auto parts giant Magna International Inc. has emerged the front-runner to build the rumoured Apple iCar, according to a German newspaper.
Magna spokesperson Tracy Fuerst said the company does not comment on speculation.
The idea gained traction after a German newspaper, Handelsblatt, said luxury carmakers Daimler AG and BMW AG have ended talks with Apple. The report quoted unnamed sources close to both companies.
Magna is now considered to be the front-runner in Apple’s search for an automaker that could build its vision of an electric, possibly self-driving car, the German paper said.
The Aurora-based auto parts maker has experience assembling vehicles at its Magna-Steyr facility in Austria for both Daimler and BMW. Apple executives reportedly toured that plant in September, 2015.
“I have no insight into whether or not Magna is the front-runner to build vehicles for Apple or not, but Magna is certainly capable,” said Tony Faria, co-director of the University of Windsor’s Office of Automotive and Vehicle Research.
Magna has assembled vehicles for many of the world’s leading auto companies, including Chrysler, Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Volvo and has built a full vehicle of its own in the past, Faria noted.
Magna has also expressed interest in working with Apple, Google and other tech companies that want to get into the auto industry, Faria added.
Apple has declined to acknowledge what Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said is an “open secret” — that it’s building an electric, possible self-driving car.
Earlier this week, Apple reportedly added former Tesla vice-president of vehicle engineering Chris Porritt to its growing roster of automotive experts.
Talks between Apple and the German automakers Daimler and BMW reportedly broke down over who would control the project, the German newspaper said.