Apple hires ex-Porsche CEO, invests $ 3.6 billion in Kia

With the start of the new year, Apple has put its big car project into next gear. A former Porsche CEO has joined and Apple is investing a huge amount in Kia Motors.

Porsche CEO switches to Apple Car

Apple has been quietly working on its first own car for years, but in recent months the rumors have become increasingly conspicuous. Now it appears via Business Insider Deutschland that Apple hired Manfred Harrer late last year. Harrer is a former Porsche CEO, specializing in the design of the chassis of Porsche cars.

Insiders describe Harrer as an ‘invisible champion’ and that he was the one who knows everything when it comes to car chassis. After thirteen years at Porsche, he is now making the switch to Apple.

Apple invests in Kia Motors

In the meantime, Apple is investing heavily in Kia Motors Bloomberg based on a message from DongA Ilbo. The company is said to invest a whopping $ 3.6 billion in Kia Motors. This should be enough to secure production of the Apple car (codenamed Project Titan). This is in line with previous rumors about a collaboration between Apple and Hyundai. Kia is a subsidiary of Hyundai.

Apple would like to close the deal in late February, with the goal of commencing large-scale production of Apple cars around 2024. In the first year, 100,000 cars have to roll out of the factory.

It therefore strongly seems that we do not have to expect an Apple car for the time being, but that it is indeed planned around 2025. Do you want to know more in the meantime? Then check the overview with rumors below.

Also read: Apple Car: we already know this about Apple’s first car