Apple has been required to support its cars for 40 years |
Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda said that if Apple cars are to become a reality, Cupertino must be prepared for at least 40 years of service and support, explaining that the key to entering the automotive industry is the realization that customers have contracts that need support.
Unlike consumer electronics, cars have decades of life and customers expect long-term support from the company.
While the president of the Japan Association of Automobile Manufacturers praised Apple's entry into the auto industry, Toyoda said at a press conference, but added that Cupertino should be better prepared for long-distance travel.
"As long as they have the technical skills, anyone can build a car. However, I hope they realize they need to prepare their customers for 40 years of responding and making various changes. After the car is built," he said.
"The entry of technology companies into the auto industry means that the auto industry has a future," he added. We welcome newcomers, but I think these newcomers say we don't need to strengthen ourselves for 40 years.
Rumors are circulating that Apple has been in the auto industry for a long time. Apple is said to be hoping to create a fully functional, self-driving electric vehicle that can compete with Tesla and other EVs.
Apple can work with other well-known manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, or BMW, or look for other options.
Investors said Apple cars are only a matter of time, not a matter of time, as Apple's electric car sales could reach $ 50 billion in sales by 2030.
It has been confirmed that Apple is in partnership negotiations with well-known car makers, and in January Hyundai Motor took an extraordinary step to confirm that it is negotiating with Apple.
Due to a lack of discretion, public comments led Apple to temporarily suspend negotiations. Hyundai Motor Company and its subsidiary Kia then tried to distance themselves from the comments.
During the negotiations, there were other reports that the South Korean automaker was considering handing over the project to Kia to reduce the impact on the Hyundai brand and make it a car manufacturer for more companies.
Apple is also said to have held talks with Japanese auto makers, and British lawmakers have also expressed an interest in bringing the products to Japan.
It should be noted that this is not the first time that a company with a heavyweight in the industry has warned Apple since Apple entered a new market.
After Apple released the first iPhone, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said: "The iPhone is unlikely to win any significant market share, and Microsoft is leading the development of the Windows Mobile operating system."
Motorola's CTO also commented on this at the time: These products for the mobile phone industry have a touch screen, motion sensor, accelerometer, gesture recognition, camera, built-in MP3 player, and bluetooth. Making.
Apple may have to wait until 2024 or later to start.