Philip Houska Apple's automotive initiative began to be discussed in the media again. The Californian company was supposed to show interest in the luxury car manufacturer, the British McLaren. The owner of the Formula 1 team has officially rejected such speculation, but it is still very interesting information. In addition, when there is further talk in connection with a possible acquisition by Apple, there is also talk about the startup Lit Motors, which has solid technologies for self-driving vehicles.
The newspaper came with the news about Apple's interest in the manufacturer of luxury and sports cars McLaren Financial Times citing your sources. The British company immediately denied this information, saying that "it is not currently in any discussion regarding a possible investment or acquisition". However, McLaren did not deny potential past or future negotiations. Financial Times i The New York Times, which also reported on Apple's interest in acquiring or investing in McLaren, supported their news even after the official denial.
At the same time, comments immediately appeared as to why cooperation with the well-known supercar manufacturer could be very interesting for Apple in view of its still secret automotive project. The Californian giant could benefit from the advantages that McLaren relies on. It is primarily a world-renowned name, an exclusive clientele and a technologically advanced research and development program.
These three aspects would be absolutely crucial for Cook's company, for several reasons. “McLaren has experience with first-class customers who make the difference between the good and the very good side of things. From this point of view, McLaren would be very helpful for Apple in the automotive sphere," he told the magazine Bloomberg analyst at William Blair & Co. Anil Doradla.
Probably the most important component is the center for research and development. The icon from Woking, England has a broad background, where he focuses on drive components, control systems, correcting supplier relations, experimenting with advanced materials such as aluminum or carbon composites and fibers. He also has experience with aerodynamic elements. For Apple, such an acquisition would mean obtaining the necessary know-how and a number of experts, with the help of which it could significantly advance its initiative.
It should be added that McLaren also has experience with electric cars (the P1 hypercar) and systems for the recovery of kinetic energy, which are used in the batteries of Formula 1 cars. The British automaker could therefore become a valuable element for the secret project under the name "Titan". in which Apple is exploring the possibilities of how it could intervene in the automotive world.
Therefore, although Apple's cooperation with McLaren could have several dimensions, it would probably be essential for Apple at the moment primarily in terms of experience and technology, which the British have, among other things, under the banner of the McLaren Technology Group and thousands of employees.
The acquisition of Lit Motors, a San Francisco startup that specializes in the production of two-wheeled motorcycles and tries to stylize it in the form of a classic car, is being discussed precisely from the point of view of acquiring technology and important know-how. The newspaper reported about it The New York Times based on his unnamed sources.
Lit Motors has interesting technologies in its repertoire, which also include self-driving sensors. It is precisely such elements that Apple could use in the development of its autonomous vehicle, for which the workshops under the direction of Bob Mansfield they are probably going to. Even in this case, the creators of iPhones do not want to identify themselves with the resulting product from this startup, but rather use their technological background, professional help and the necessary know-how.
It is not yet known where this whole situation will move in a few months or years. According to various reports, Apple should have its first vehicle (self-driving or not) ready by 2020, others say much later. Moreover, now maybe not even in Apple at all they don't know, where he will eventually go with his project.
