According to Bloomberg News, insiders report that following Apple's decision to abandon its plans for developing its own vehicle, 17 automotive engineers who had been part of Apple's car project, codenamed "Project Titan," have departed the company. These engineers have joined Zoox, an ambitious startup focused on autonomous driving technology.
The primary role of these engineers involved designing braking and suspension systems for both conventional and self-driving vehicles. Many of them come from the Detroit-based automotive industry, with expertise in creating components for traditional and autonomous vehicles alike. Notably, earlier this year, Steve Zadesky, the leader of Project Titan, left Apple. Before joining Apple, Zadesky worked as an engineer at Ford, where he led over 600 members of the Project Titan team.
A visual representation of this shift can be seen in the image below, which shows Apple engineers moving toward opportunities at startups like Zoox.
Previously, the New York Times reported that as Project Titan progressed, its costs and personnel numbers grew significantly. Apple seemed to be ramping up its ambitions in the automotive sector. Bloomberg later confirmed that many engineers either left Apple voluntarily or were reassigned, with the project’s timeline set to determine the feasibility of its autonomous driving system by the end of 2017, ultimately deciding on the next steps.
In June, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized Apple's commitment to autonomous driving technology, stating that it represents one of the most significant artificial intelligence initiatives. Currently, Apple’s focus is on developing autonomous driving software akin to Google's Waymo or Uber, rather than manufacturing electric vehicles.
The recent departure of these engineers for Zoox suggests Apple may no longer aim to build its own car. Sources indicate that these engineers felt sidelined within Apple, becoming redundant as the company shifted priorities. Over the last few months, several engineers have been recruited by startups en masse. Additionally, Zoox has hired numerous supply chain experts from Apple in the past two years.
Zoox, a startup focused on autonomous driving technology, has raised $290 million in funding, valuing it at over $1 billion. The company aims to launch fully autonomous taxis by 2020. Their vision includes designing a sleek, luxury electric taxi with gull-wing doors and seating for four passengers facing each other. Unlike competitors, this vehicle can drive in both directions with equal efficiency, and it lacks a windshield, steering wheel, or traditional braking system.
Zoox is assembling a strong team of experts in autonomous driving. The company has also attracted notable figures such as Mark Rosekind, former head of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who now serves as their Chief Safety Innovator. Additionally, they’ve hired Corrado Lanzone, a former Ferrari executive, to lead their manufacturing efforts.
This development highlights the growing competition in the autonomous driving space, with startups like Zoox pushing boundaries while larger companies like Apple pivot toward software solutions. As the race for innovation accelerates, the future of transportation remains uncertain but full of potential.
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