The Apple iMinivan car electric minivan codenamed Titan is charging up in Cupertino. (Photo : YouTube )
Apple is all set to manufacture the world's first smart car for 2019 release.
It has been rumored for months now that Apple was planning to step into the automobile business and now it is confirmed. After looking into the possibility for building its own car, the company will triple its team of 600 engineers on the project, code-named Titan, which already includes automotive experts.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the first car will not be fully autonomous, despite that type of system being part of the long-term plan. Moving ahead with the plan the tech giant reportedly met with government officials in California.
Rumors about Apple's automotive objective started circulating in February when multiple publications reported that Cupertino has several hundred employees working on an electric car.
The rumors amplified this summer when word spread that Apple hired Ex-Chrysler Group (FCHA.MI) executive Doug Betts, former head of global quality at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Betts has spent more than 25 years in the auto industry with companies including Toyota and Nissan.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently told talk show host Stephen Colbert, who asked about the project Titan, "We look at a number of things along the way, and we decide to really put our energies in a few of them."
The tech giant has already ventured into the automotive industry, with numerous automakers now offering its Apple CarPlay, which incorporates iPhone functionality with a vehicle's infotainment system.
The project was reported to be approved by Cook in late 2014 and assigned to Vice President Steve Zadesky, a former Ford engineer as project in-charge.
The team also includes Johann Jungwirth, the former-president and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, as well as at least one transmission engineer.
According to Hollywood Life, fans were thrilled after hearing the news and instantly took to social media to share their reactions.
