Apple exec joins Ferrari board, fueling speculation of in-car tech
According to a Ferrari statement issued Wednesday, Apple's head of internet software and services Eddy Cue will bring his internet commerce experience to bear on the Italian supercar company. The move fuels rumors that Apple is moving into in-car telematics at the very top end of the market.
Rumors have been circulating for more than a year that Apple is planning to create devices and services for its users' cars. In June this year at the World Wide Developers Conference, the company showcased its Siri "Eyes Free" feature -- which would allow drivers to press a button on their dashboards in order to access voice commands on their iPhones and therefore dictate text messages and emails and ask for directions without touching their phone or taking their eyes off the road -- and revealed that nine car companies had signed up to integrate it into their upcoming vehicles.
Cue has been at Apple for more than 20 years and as well as being in charge of the iTunes store has also recently been given overall responsibility for Siri and Maps following a massive shakeup at Apple that saw its head of iOS software, Scott Forstall, depart.
Of Cue's appointment, 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 the board. His huge experience in the dynamic, innovative world of the internet will be of great assistance to us."
On paper, a partnership between Apple and Ferrari would seem a perfect fit. Both are focused on design and innovation and both have built much of their business on exclusivity.
