Apple Inc. is hiring automotive technology and design experts to research at a secret lab outside its Cupertino office, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing several people familiar with the iPhone maker.
The background and seniority of the executives suggest that Apple may be trying to build a car, the financial daily said, citing sources.
Experienced managers were leading dozens of Apple employees in researching automotive products, according to the report.
"Three months ago I would have said it was CarPlay," FT quoted a person who has worked closely with Apple for many years as saying. "Today I think it's a car," the person said.
Last March Apple unveiled its CarPlay infotainment software, which lets drivers access contacts on their iPhones, make calls or listen to voicemails without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Apple did not respond to requests for comment.
The head of Mercedes-Benz's Silicon Valley research and development unit was one of the latest hires to the research team, FT added.
The research lab was set up late last year, soon after Apple revealed its forthcoming smart watch and newest iPhones, FT said.
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