Apple, more than any other big tech company, is associated with great design. Dating all the way back to the original Apple II and Macintosh, through the original iMac and iPod, and up to date with the latest iPhones and iPads, Apple makes beautifully stylish products which frequently look like they should be sitting in a gallery.
It's no surprise, then, to hear that Apple has gone to the very best when it comes to working on its secretive self-driving car project. According to Business Insider Deutschland, Apple has hired Manfred Harrer, formerly the head of chassis development at Porsche.
Seeking Chassis Expertise
Described by MacRumors as an executive with "expertise in chassis design," hopefully Harrer will be able to sprinkle a bit of Porsche's aesthetic brilliance, alongside whatever other automotive expertise he undoubtedly brings to the table.
Harrer worked for the Volkswagen Group for over 13 years, prior to leaving the company last year---supposedly without cluing any of his ex-colleagues in on what job he was going to be taking next. He last worked on the Cayenne product line, Porsche's luxury, mid-size, crossover sport utility vehicle.
The news that Harrer has joined Apple isn't just a reminder that the Apple Car has some impressive executives working on it, however. It also muddies the water regarding what exactly Apple has planned with its debut electric, self-driving vehicle.
Some reports about Apple Car have suggested that Apple will team with a carmaker, and provide only the software side of the project. While there is obviously no definite confirmation one way or the other, the fact that Apple would recruit a chassis development expert suggests it will be taking an active role in coming up with the design for the Apple Car---or whatever it winds up being called.
Apple Is Big on Design
Anyone who knows how big a part of Apple the design process is will most likely not be too surprised. Apple is, after all, a vertically integrated company that aims to control as much as possible about its products to ensure everything conforms to its high standards.
The latest rumors suggest that a possible Apple Car could drive off the lot around 2025. Given the success of fellow design-oriented tech leader Tesla, it will certainly face stiff competition in becoming Silicon Valley's top automotive company.
Then again, Tesla's example also demonstrates that it is possible to challenge the incumbent car giants, and win.
Image Credit: Porsche