Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche has reportedly expressed surprise at the progress of Apple and Google’s respective car projects.
“Our impression was that these companies can do more and know more than we had previously assumed,” the executive told German paper Welt am Sonntag, as translated by Reuters.
The German automaker at one time vocally protested the tech giants’ involvement in the automotive industry, warning of the privacy implications from data shared via connected infotainment platforms. It has since taken a softer tone, even welcoming partnerships with the companies.
“At the same time they have more respect for our achievements than we thought,” Zetsche added in the latest comments.
Speaking on a ‘theoretical’ basis, the executive last year suggested both companies could build cars with Daimler through joint ventures. Other reports suggest Apple may have already considered a supply agreement with BMW, while Google is said to have established a limited partnership with Ford.
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