Elon Musk says he tried to sell Tesla to Apple, which didn’t bite and wouldn't even meet
- Reference: 1608714130
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/12/23/elon_musk_alleges_he_tried_to_sell_tesla_to_apple/
- Source link:
The Musky one revealed this version of history in a Tweet.
During the darkest days of the Model 3 program, I reached out to Tim Cook to discuss the possibility of Apple acquiring Tesla (for 1/10 of our current value). He refused to take the meeting. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) [1]December 22, 2020
The Tweet came in response to another from a chap named Brett Winton, who works as director of research at investment advisory ARK Invest. Winton commented on recent wire reports that say Apple is going to make its own electric car. The reports in question claimed that Apple has developed a battery technology based on lithium-ion phosphate and will use a “monocell” – rather than lots of little batteries in an array.
Musk rubbished both plans.
Lithium-ion phosphate earned his scorn on grounds that it can’t be a breakthrough because Tesla already uses it. He declared a monocell “is electrochemically impossible, as max voltage is ~100X too low. Maybe they meant cells bonded together, like our structural battery pack?”
“Apple building a car rumours” have persisted for almost as long as “Apple building a TV” rumours. The latter never happened. And Apple [2]made deep cuts to its car research team in 2016. Even if Apple has revived its automotive ambitions, a 2025 horizon for production gives it plenty of time to change its mind.
But there are two elements of Musk’s story that ring true. One is that Tesla was in deep trouble in 2018, when its attempts to increase production of its new Model 3 caused a cash crunch. The other is that in August 2018 Apple [3]hired Doug field, formerly senior veep of engineering at Tesla where he led the Model 3 effort. Field is still at Cupertino, as veep of its special projects group.
Musk’s Twitter feed also points out that on Monday his other company, SpaceX, conducted its 26th launch of the year and again landed the first-stage booster. The landing came on the fifth anniversary of SpaceX’s first landing of an orbital booster. ®
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[1] https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1341485211209637889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
[2] https://www.theregister.com/2016/10/17/apples_car_is_driving_nowhere/
[3] https://www.theregister.com/2018/08/10/apple_lures_back_tesla_guru/
[4] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Both SX and Tesla have come a very long way in 2 years
And you do have to wonder, did they do so in spite of the guy leaving to join Apple, or because of it?
IDK. Tesla's stock price is complete BS. The fantasy it's an IT company, not a car mfg, persists so I guess people will continue to make money off the back of it. Buy, buy buy, bye bye is not a stock tip but perhaps a sensible strategy?
If Apple go into the car biz, I dread to think of the price and maintenance lock in that will go with it.
Apple workshops, PFY mechanics and less ability to self maintain than a John Deere tractor.
"...If Apple go into the car biz, I dread to think of the price and maintenance lock in that will go with it.
Apple workshops, PFY mechanics and less ability to self maintain than a John Deere tractor.."
Not to mention "you're driving it wrong"
And the list goes on...
Don't let it get rained on else your warranty is void.
Third party child seats are not allowed and Apple has changed the mounting points to make sure.
Screen-wash is not user replaceable.
Not to mention "you're driving it wrong"
Rounded Corners!
Apple Car
Any colour as long as it's white.
Only authorised Apple service.
Only Apple charging points.
Rounded corners.
A notch out of each window.
No sockets inside.
Only Apple tyres.
Special tools for newly invented head profile on all the bolts.
Glue anywhere possible instead of screws, poppers, clips or bolts.
No door key, use an iPhone or Apple watch.
No main key.
No buttons or knobs, only touch panels.
No steering wheel, gestures instead.
No door handles to spoil the smooth lines, use touch gestures.
Air jets instead of ugly wipers on the windscreen.
No mirrors, only cameras.
You've to buy a different version for a bigger battery pack with longer range.
Also twice as expensive as the most expensive electric cars.
Re: Apple Car
" ... No steering wheel, gestures instead. ... "
I think I was following one of those recently"
And they will sue other car manufacturers that dare to make products that can navigate rounded corners.
Mine is bigger than yours
Those tycoons can be really childish sometimes
Offered to sell the company for 1/10 current market value
I'm not surprised Cook refused to meet after this offer. He may as well have phoned up and said "Hi Tim, the company's in seriously deep shit, and I'm looking for some mug to get some money out of before it collapses". OK, the company got through this and subsequently succeeded, but nobody knew that was going to happen at the time.
Hmmm
I have to think "if" Apple does produce an eCar, the design will be Different! Most likely people will love it or hate it, kind of like some bands...
Tesla is driven by Elon Musk's charisma and little else.
Apple does not have that anymore since Jobs death
Agree. No mater what you think of Musk & Jobs as individuals (or their companies), as leaders they are/were exceptional.
You read it here first
How long until Apple claim to have invented the car?