Apple’s head of Internet software and services has joined the Ferrari board of directors. The move is causing some observers to wonder if there could be interest on Apple’s part in making devices for user’s vehicles. iCar anyone?
Ferrari announced in a statement on Wednesday that Cue has joined its board and will aid with his experience in Internet-based commerce. Further details on his role were not provided.
“I am pleased and proud to become a member of the board,” Cue said in a statement. “I have personally dreamed of owning a Ferrari since I was 8 years old and have been lucky to be an owner for the past 5 years. I continue to be awed by the world-class design and engineering that only Ferrari can do.”
Cue has been in charge of Apple’s iTunes and iBooks stores, in a recent executive shakeup he was also given responsibility for Siri and iOS Maps.
Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said in a statement, “I am delighted that Eddy Cue, one of the main driving forces behind Apple’s range of revolutionary products, has now joined our board. His huge experience in the dynamic, innovative world of the Internet will be of great assistance to us.”
While Apple has long showed interest in having a greater presence in users’ vehicles, to date it has yet to make any car-centric devices.
It was reported in March that Apple was attempting to hire automotive engineers in China for an undisclosed product. The job posting listed the need for a supervisor with “experience in CNC/die casting/stamping/plastic injection.”
Apple has announced support for Siri “Eyes Free” functionality in the many updates to the recently released iOS 6. The feature will allow car-makers to integrate Siri voice control via the driver’s iPhone. GM’s Chevrolet Spark and Sonic are expected to be the first vehicles to support Siri integration. Other car makers involved are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda.
di Montezemolo revealed earlier this year that he’d had a two-hour meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook to discuss corporate strategy and management styles. He remarked that he had gained insight from the conversation, discussing Apple’s focus on simplicity, design, and passion for product, saying “We’re building cars, they build computers. But Apple and Ferrari are connected by the same passion, the same love for the product, maniacal attention to technology, but also to design.”
Cue has been said to be Apple’s “dealmaker” who is crucial to the company’s negotiations with carriers, music companies and movie studios.
Now, let’s hear more about that iCar gentlemen…
