That was back in January of 2020.FCA Confirms Discussions with Foxconn | FCA GroupFCA Confirms Discussions with Foxconn
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (MTA: FCA / NYSE: FCAU, “FCA”) confirmed today that it is in discussions with Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. (Foxconn) regarding the potential creation of an equal joint venture to develop and manufacture in China new generation battery electric vehicles and engage in the IoV (Internet of Vehicles) business. The proposed cooperation, initially focused on the Chinese market, would enable the parties to bring together the capabilities of two established global leaders across the spectrum of automobile design, engineering and manufacturing and mobile software technology to focus on the growing battery electric vehicle market. The parties are in the process of signing a preliminary agreement which will govern further discussions aimed at reaching final binding agreements in the next few months. There is however no assurance that final binding agreements will be reached or will be reached in that timeframe.
Foxconn plans EV work, battery advances - Warrior Trading NewsFoxconn, notorious Apple subcontractor, is looking to become involved in electric vehicles in a big way. Some analysts call it the plan to become the “Android of EVs,” a reference to the Google-backed smartphone platform that is both ubiquitous and open-plan enough to run devices from different manufacturers, unlike Apple’s iOS.
One aspect of this planned innovation is Foxconn’s MIH Open Platform that will bring a broad capability to manufacture electric vehicle parts and systems.
Beyond that, though, there’s other exciting news around Foxconn’s involvement in the electric vehicle field. Specifically, the firm plans to launch a solid state battery in 2024
That was October........... Apple tends to go where Foxconn goes and ''vice-verse''
Exclusive: Apple targets car production by 2024 and eyes 'next level' battery technology - sources | Reuters''Since then, Apple has progressed enough that it now aims to build a vehicle for consumers, two people familiar with the effort said, asking not to be named because Apple’s plans are not public. Apple’s goal of building a personal vehicle for the mass market contrasts with rivals such as Alphabet Inc’s Waymo, which has built robo-taxis to carry passengers for a driverless ride-hailing service.''
''Central to Apple’s strategy is a new battery design that could “radically” reduce the cost of batteries and increase the vehicle’s range, according to a third person who has seen Apple’s battery design.
Two people with knowledge of Apple’s plans warned pandemic-related delays could push the start of production into 2025 or beyond.''
''Apple had previously engaged Magna International Inc in talks about manufacturing a car, but the talks petered out as Apple’s plans became unclear, a person familiar with those previous efforts said. Magna did not immediately respond to a request for comment.'
To turn a profit, automotive contract manufacturers often ask for volumes that could pose a challenge even to Apple, which would be a newcomer to the automotive market.
“In order to have a viable assembly plant, you need 100,000 vehicles annually, with more volume to come,” the person said.
If you line the pieces together......its clear..........Foxconn's battery technology & electronics
....FCA/Stellantis industrial/engineering/manufacturing lead ....
Apple''s ,software, services money.......
FCA/Stellantis and Apple co-design..
Sergio was huge Apple fan, who's would likely be the happiest person about such an arrangement......... his fandom may have rub off on John Elkann given Ferrari CEO candidates.
Mopar + Apple = ''Appar'' !?!