Apple has approached McLaren Technology Group, "the British supercar engineer and Formula One team owner," about a potential acquisition, "in the clearest sign yet that the iPhone maker is seeking to transform the automotive industry," according to Garrahan & Bradshaw of the FINANCIAL TIMES. The California technology group, which has been working on a self-driving electric vehicle for more than two years, "is considering a full takeover of McLaren or a strategic investment," according to three people briefed on the negotiations who said talks started several months ago. A tie-up with McLaren, "whose expertise ranges from automotive engineering and on-board computer systems to novel chassis materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium," could accelerate Apple’s "secretive" automotive project. Apple declined to comment. The lossmaking automotive group "was likely to be valued" at between £1B ($1.3B) and £1.5B ($1.95B), the people said, "adding that it was not clear a deal would be done" (FT, 9/21).
A McLaren spokesperson said, "We can confirm that McLaren is not in discussion with Apple in respect of any potential investment" (
SBD Global).
