Rumors surrounding Apple's impending electric car have been flying thick and fast for some time and now fueling rumors of the iCar's launch is the fact that the company has taken on board a notable Fiat Chrysler executive.
Apple has reportedly hired Doug Betts, the former global quality head at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to help pave the development of the rumored iCar.
The news comes courtesy of The Wall Street Journal which spilled the beans on Betts' appointment.
"Doug Betts, who led global quality at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV until last year, is now working for the Cupertino, Calif.-based electronics giant," noted the publication.
However, Apple continues to stay mum on his recruitment and did not respond when the publication contacted the company.
The WSJ's assertions are also validated by an update to Betts' LinkedIn profile, which says he is now a part of "Operations" at Apple. The profile is reflective of the fact that Betts' appointment is recent as it notes that he joined Apple in July.
Betts has over 25 years of experience in the auto sector and has worked for Nissan and Toyota in the past. He quit Chrysler Group in 2014 to "pursue other interests."
Betts' appointment to Apple's Operations team does not come as a surprise to experts as the move will aid the company in building its much-touted electric car. Apple has been accused of poaching employees from Mercedes, Tesla and Ford to create its team of experts.
Marc Newson and Apple's current VP of Product Design Steve Zadesky are both ex-Ford employees. Apple also roped in Mercedes-Benz's Johann Jungwirth who was a part of its R&D team.
Earlier in February this year, A123 Systems who makes li-ion batteries for electric cars sued Apple for attempting to poach its staff for its "Project Titan." While Apple denied the allegations, the two companies finally came to a settlement as we reported.
Apple is said to be eying a 2020 release for its electric car and in May, the company's SVP of Operations Jeff Williams let on that the iCar would be the "ultimate mobile device."
With Betts on-board, it looks like Apple is on track to release the iCar as anticipated.
Photo: Andrew | Flickr
