Apple's iCar may be based on BMW's i3
Rumours of an iCar have been circulating for over a year.
Now the latest whispers suggest Apple may base its fabled electric vehicle on BMW's i3 model.
And the German source claims the tech giant's first car could be built, sold and serviced by BMW.
Apple's rumoured iCar may be based on the BMW i3. Picture/Ted Baghurst.
The two companies are said to be close to an official agreement, having attempted to ink a deal last year, Manager Magazine reported.
MailOnline has approached both companies for comment.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, reportedly visited BMW's Leipzig factory to inspect the manufacturing of the i3.
Since then, executives are rumoured to be discussing an Apple-designed and branded car based on BMW's compact hybrid vehicle.
It's thought that the car, dubbed 'Project Titan' will look a bit like a minivan, compared with BMW's sleek hatchback designs, Digital Trends reported.
An industry expert has previously said the electric car could be on the road by 2020, putting it in direct competition with Tesla Motors, GM and more.
There are currently no details about Apple's car, but it's expected to include BMW's electric components and perhaps the autonomous driving systems that Apple is said to be working on.
Photographs taken in February seemed to show a prototype car with men using iPads inside.
Based on the fact that automakers typically spend five to seven years developing a car, the vehicle could be on sale in 2020, according to Tim Higgins from Bloomberg.
A 2020 timeframe would underscore Apple's 'aggressive goals and could set the stage for a battle for customers with Tesla Motors Inc and General Motors Co.'
Rumours stemming from two videos filmed in California and Florida range from Apple working on a Google StreetView-style mapping service, to an electric car or self-driving van.
It's previously been claimed that Apple has several hundred employees developing an electric car at a secret lab.
This Apple research lab was reportedly set up late last year - meaning any car could still be years away - and is being overseen by Apple designer Sir Jonathan Ive.
The Wall Street Journal added that hundreds of employees are working on the Titan project and boss Tim Cook approved the project close to a year ago.
-Daily Mail