Apple poaches Ford executive for electric car project – report

The iPhone maker is reportedly developing its own autonomous electric car, and big-name industry executives are linked to the project.

Apple has poached a high-profile executive from automotive giant Ford, likely to work on its long-rumoured electric car project, according to a new report from Automotive News.

Citing sources “with knowledge of the matter,” the outlet says the California-based tech company finalised an agreement with engineer Desi Ujkashevic earlier this year.

Ms Ujkashevic has worked at Ford since 1991, and according to LinkedIn is currently serving as the company’s Director of Engineering for North America.

Having previously worked on the Escape, Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus, Ujkashevic has since been integral in the development of Ford’s electric car range according to Automotive News.

Industry insiders suggest Apple has been working on an electric car since at least 2015, and approximately 5000 employees – including many from the automotive industry – have been drafted for the project.

Earlier this year Drive reported Apple may be targeting complete autonomy for its vehicle, and the final product could omit pedals and a steering wheel completely.

Korean car maker Hyundai was linked to the Apple car’s development for a long time, however US media outlets claim the partnership disintegrated last year.  

A launch date of 2025 has previously been floated for the vehicle’s public launch, however reports from Reuters last year suggested this timeline may be ambitious.

To read more Drive articles on the rumoured Apple car click here.

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