The Wall Street Journal reports that Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda shared a piece of advice for the Cupertino tech giant. Speaking at the news conference of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Toyoda said that Apple should not only focus on making a car but also on providing customer service for 40 years.
“Anyone can make a car if they have the technical ability, but, once they make a car, I hope they’ll recognize they have to steel themselves for 40 years of responding to customers and to various changes.”
Although the Cupertino tech company has not officially announced or confirmed the development of its first autonomous electric passenger vehicle, there are several reports claiming that the Project Titan is underway. And after a public falling out with Hyundai and Kia, the company is looking for a new manufacturing partner or partners. Recently, it was rumored that the tech giant is in talks with Foxconn and Magna for Apple Car production.
Toyota chief suggests Apple provide customer care for 40 years to Apple Car owners
Appreciating tech companies venturing into the automobile industry, Mr. Toyoda said that it promising for the car industry but also warned that this business requires long-term commitment, at least for 40 years. As per the report,
Mr. Toyoda said he had no problem with Apple making cars, but he said carmakers have to deal with many issues over the life of a vehicle, starting with obtaining the materials to manufacture it and ending with its scrapping decades later.
“Technology companies entering the car industry means that the car industry has a future and choices for customers will widen,” Mr. Toyoda said. “We welcome new entries, but I don’t think it would be fair for those people who are newly entering to say, ‘We don’t need to steel ourselves for 40 years, and you other folks who have been around for many years, you do that.”
Recently, BMW CFO, Nicolas Peter said that he doesn’t feel threatened by Apple entering the automobile industry. Saying that the competition is wonderful and BMW is in a very strong position, Peter sleeps “very peacefully” unnerved by the Apple Car launch. Previously, Volkswagen has also shared similar sentiments.
