Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Volkswagen's chief Martin
Winterkorn met several days ago in California, and plan to meet for further
discussions according to the Associated
Press. The two companies are apparently working on “scores of ideas,”
though none are set in stone.
Industry experts believe that Apple and VW may be working on
the “iCar,” or some sort of vehicle concept that would incorporate a
significant amount of media devices in its peripheral functionality.
Apple currently works with many automakers, including VW, to
provide iPod connections as options for new vehicles. Cars with such connections
can automatically interface with iPods to play the stored music through the
vehicle’s interface and sound system.
The merging of computer and consumer electronics technology
with cars is one that increasing in recent years. Earlier this year at CES
2007, Bill Gates announced during his keynote address that Microsoft would be incorporating its Auto
software into Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.