Mikey Campbell
Japanese automaker Nissan on Tuesday suggested it would be interested in partnering with Apple on the production of a so-called "Apple Car," citing the need to stay nimble as technology permeates the industry.
During a quarterly earnings conference call, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida fielded a question regarding a potential collaboration with Apple now that Hyundai is no longer in talks to build the tech giant's car, reports The Wall Street Journal.
As technology remodels the car industry, "we need to take new initiatives" and "work with companies that are knowledgeable, with good experience, through partnership and collaboration," Uchida said. While not a confirmation that talks are underway, the response illustrates a willingness to cooperate on a project that has reportedly been declined by other major automakers.
Nissan currently fields one the world's most popular production electric vehicles in the Leaf and is primed to build on that lead with a crossover based on its IMx concept.
Uchida's comments come less than a week after reports indicated Apple is in discussions with multiple Japanese car companies over production and supply contracts. At least six firms are said to be in active negotiations.
Honda and Mazda said they could not comment on the matter, while Mitsubishi asserted claims that Apple is engaging with Japanese automotive companies were false. Nissan declined to comment.
According to equity analyst Mio Kato, Nissan is "the most likely candidate to be in serious discussions with Apple" thanks to spare production capacity in the U.S., the report says.
"Apple Car" rumors have accelerated over the past few weeks, with January reports in the U.S. and South Korea tipping advanced talks with Hyundai. The South Korean automaker initially confirmed it was in discussions to produce the vehicle before walking those statements back.
Hyundai's PR faux pas reportedly contributed to a breakdown in the dealmaking process. The company in a regulatory filing on Monday said it is "not having talks with Apple about developing self-driving cars," but noted high interest in its EV platform.
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Mazda would make a lot of sense in so much as Mazda has limited resources compared to a lot of competitiors. As such, having a partner with deep pockets like Apple could go a long way towards moving Mazda successfully into the electrification era.
From Apple's perspective, it would gain a partner with a great reputation for chassis development. Mazdas are known for possessing solid chassic dynamics. Their powertrains are well done but the company is using aging technology largely because the resources to replace that technology as often as competitors just isn't there. For instance, Mazda currently uses a six-speed automatic that is far behind the units others are using with more gears, though it is a good unit, just the same.
Mazda is looking to move upmarket somewhat, in part by delivering products with interior fit and finish that is a cut above the mainstream, volume class.
Seems to me that potentially, a Mazda/Apple partnership could prove to be a win for both parties, though certainly Apple would have to be prepared to allow Mazda to use some of its tech in Mazda-branded models in exchange for Mazda producing for Apple a product that would be marketed primarily as an Apple product.
Certainly Honda and Mazda have the right idea in terms of not talking about any negotiations that could be happening with Apple. It's not an Apple trait to be comfortable with a potential partner talking to the press before a deal is consummated.
makes lots of sense for 2nd tier manufacturers to take this chance
For such a major initiative, I cannot see Apple partnering with any Japanese based car company other than Toyota or Honda, as they each have industry leading technical capabilities, which Apple may likely require. Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi are 2nd tier, at best.
as for potential culture clashing ... see the movie Gung Ho, starring Michael Keaton
After the rumors about the alleged cooperation between Apple and Renault, it is not surprising that Nissan also wants to be part of the Apple Car project. Nissan is part of the Renault Group, and they have very good engineering staff.