An Apple self-driving car based on the BMW i3 "may be a nice idea," according to CEO Harald Krüger. But he didn't say if the idea would ever come to fruition.
"There are always rumors in our business but as you know we are working together with a lot of IT companies like Google, like Apple, to integrate the smartphones into the cars," Krüger said in an interview with CNBC at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
"But there is nothing more to add at this moment of time because we definitely look into the future development of the BMW group and digitalization of the business is... I would call it the top trend of our business," he added.
According to CultofMac, rumors suggested Apple looked into the possibility of using the BMW i3's carbon fiber body to form the basis of an electric Apple Car. No less than CEO Tim Cook was reportedly part of the team that went to Leipzig to meet with production managers last year.
Apple's self-driving car initiative, dubbed "Project Titan," is shrouded in mystery. But in the past months, the Cupertino tech giant has been hiring autonomous driving experts from different companies.
Just last month, Franchise Herald picked up on reports that said Apple is considering using GoMentum Station. The former naval base is used as proving grounds for self-driving cars.
Negotiations between BMW and Apple have reportedly stalled but there may still be a chance for a BMW i3- based Apple Car.
Krüger told German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung that he's still open to manufacturing partnerships with computer companies. When asked specifically about teaming with Apple, the BMW CEO responded.
"Let me answer in general terms. There is something which BMW Group and Apple very similar. Both are companies with strong brands," Krüger said as quoted by Reuters.
Still, the German automaker is reportedly cautious about sharing its manufacturing expertise with a tech company as it wants to avoid a scenario where it's merely a supplier to them.
