Apple, once intent on developing its own self-driving car, has signed a deal with Volkswagen to develop an autonomous shuttle for use by Apple employees on its California campuses, reports the New York Times. The self-driving T6 Transporter vans aren’t expected to hit the roads until next year, by which time they’ll be retrofitted with Apple’s own self-driving technology and interiors designed by the company. According to the newspaper, Apple had originally intended to build its own car, but the cost and complexity of building and developing vehicles became an issue. The New York Times reported that Apple turned to Volkswagen after partnership offers were made to, and rejected by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and China-based automaker BYD.
Apple has entered into a deal with Volkswagen to building self-driving vehicles. (PHOTO: VOLKSWAGEN)
