Apple's Car

hpmctorque

Apple has announced that it'll introduce an electric car in 2019. Given Apple's vast financial and technological resources, how will this affect the auto industry? How will Apple differentiate its product?

Should Apple go it alone, or team up with an existing manufacturer, and, if so, which one would be the best fit?

Which of the current auto manufacturers should be most concerned by Apple's entry into the car business?

Michaell

hpmctorque said:

Apple has announced that it'll introduce an electric car in 2019. Given Apple's vast financial and technological resources, how will this affect the auto industry? How will Apple differentiate its product?

Should Apple go it alone, or team up with an existing manufacturer, and, if so, which one would be the best fit?

Which of the current auto manufacturers should be most concerned by Apple's entry into the car business?

I'll take a stab at answering your questions:

1. Initially, Apple will be a niche player (like Tesla), so the industry at large shouldn't be too concerned. Yet.
2. Apple has a great brand recognition, which will serve them well. Not sure they'll need to promote the car - by simply be association with Apple, there will be a certain cadre of early adopters who will be very interested.
3. I don't think any existing manufacturer could bring anything to the table that Apple can't figure out on their own - but, for marketing reasons, there could be a deal with someone established. Don't know who that would be.
4. I think Tesla should be worried, especially if Apple can price the car significantly under the Tesla offerings.

One additional question - you obviously won't be able to take your car back to the store and have a 'genius' deal with it. How does Apple deal with sales and service infrastructure?