Apple To Start Testing Self-Driving Car Soon? [Rumors]
It seems that tech giant Apple will soon jump from manufacturing gadgets to developing automobiles as well.
Rumors that the Cupertino-based firm is working on its own self-driving car have long circulated. Dubbed "Project Titan," the tech company seemed determined to take a piece of the automotive industry pie in the future. However, Apple declined to comment on the reports.
But a correspondence between the iPhone manufacturer and a car facility located in north San Francisco has surfaced and it hints at the possibility that Apple is quietly developing the vehicle and is about to start testing it.
The Guardian was able to view the correspondence between Apple engineer Frank Fearon and some officials from GoMentum Station via a public records act request.
According to the conversation, it seemed that Fearon was looking to schedule a date to finally test out Apple's car.
"We would like to get an understanding of timing and availability for the space, and how we would need to coordinate around other parties who would be using it," wrote the engineer in May.
GoMentum Station is a 2,100-acre of land located at the old Concord naval weapons station. It is situated north east of San Franciso, reported BBC. It has 20 miles of highways and side streets that are paved, which has appealed to car manufacturers looking to try out driverless technology.
Since its location is secured by the military and not open to the public, it has earned the tag of being "the largest secure test facility in the world."
In recent years, GoMentum has become a favorite of carmakers to test their new vehicles out. Honda and Mercedes-Benz have both tested some of their driverless cars on the area.
"We are hoping to see a presentation on the testing grounds with a layout, photos, and a description of how the various areas of the grounds could be used," continued Fearon's letter.
Later in May, it was noted that Program Manager for Autonomous Vehicles Jack Hall replied to Apple to postpone an earlier set schedule. He added, "We would still like to meet in order to keep everything moving and to meet your testing schedule."
No report was made if Apple was able to push through with the test.
GoMentum has refused to issue a statement on the matter as the company is bound by a non-disclosure agreement but it did reveal that it has talked with some Apple officials.
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