With mounting evidence that Apple is at the very least exploring the possibility of developing a car, we’ve seen the expected influx of comments from auto industry veterans skeptical of Apple’s plans. A few weeks ago, for example, former GM CEO Dan Akersson cautioned Apple that they have no idea what they’re getting into. Shortly thereafter, Mercedes-Benz chief Dieter Zetsche essentially laughed off the notion that an Apple Car might pose any sort of competitive threat.
Related: The Apple Car is real, and Apple hopes to launch it by 2020
But one auto CEO is seemingly enthusiastic about welcoming Apple to the auto industry with open arms. According to a report from CNET, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently articulated that Apple entering the auto industry should be viewed in a positive light, especially amidst rumors that Apple is developing an environmentally friendly electric car.
“If Apple does it, obviously it’s good news for us,” Ghosn said while delivering a keynote speech at the Mobile World Congress on Monday.
Ghosn went on to explain that Apple entering the auto industry will, at the very least, raise awareness for electric cars.
“The fact that a company outside of the auto industry wants to do electric cars is refreshing,” Ghosn added.
While any car development Apple may be working on remains in its initial stages, Bloomberg a few weeks ago claimed that Apple is hoping to be producing cars as early as 2020. That’s am ambitious timetable, to be sure, but if any one company has the resources and deep pockets to pull it off, it’s Apple.
