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Podcasts Take Two
The Wheel Thing: Why Apple is, or isn't building a car
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Feb 19, 2015
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The Wheel Thing: Why Apple is, or isn't building a car
Rumors abound that Apple is planning to get into the auto business. Does Apple really have what it takes to build and market a car?
Apple is under fire again for labor violations at its supplier's factories in China.
Will the familiar Apple logo show up on a car soon?
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Eugene Hoshiko/AP
)

Rumors abound that Apple is planning to get into the auto business. Does Apple really have what it takes to build and market a car?

Early this week the Wall St. Journal reported a story that, based on a variety of unnamed sources, surmised that Apple Computer might soon be Apple Automotive.

Fanboyz and girlz of the Cupertino firm have long dreamed of an iCar.  But would, could, should Apple actually get into the often hairy, and generally low-margin business of building cars.

Car critic Susan Carpenter says yes.  And no.

No, because it's very difficult to make a great car.  Sure Apple has container ships full of cash and no shortage of great design minds.  Still, it's tough.

Yes, because if anyone can build a great (probably electric) car, it's Apple.

But, when pressed, Carpenter says the best outcome would be what she sees as a kind of super-group.  Or, a super-duo anyway.  If Apple and Tesla were to partner on building a full line of electric vehicles that would be - and there's really no other word - awesome.