U.S. computer company Apple Inc. and German auto maker Volkswagen AG are discussing the possibility of building an "iCar" that would feature products by the producer of the ubiquitous iPod personal music player.
Apple chief Steve Jobs and Volkswagen's CEO Martin Winterkorn met several days ago in California and plan to meet for further discussions, said Hans-Gerd Bode, a spokesman for Volkswagen.
There are "scores of ideas," but few concrete plans at this point, Mr. Bode said.
Market experts estimate that a compact car upgraded with Apple products would be of substantial interest to young target groups, according to German financial magazine Capital.
Apple already works with Volkswagen and other auto makers to offer an integrated in-car hookup for iPods. An Apple representative did not return a request for comment on the potential iCar.
Electronics are increasingly important for auto makers. Ford will launch a communication and entertainment system developed with Microsoft called Sync this fall.
The system allows drivers to listen to their digital music players and have text messages on their cellphones read aloud. AAPL (Nasdaq) rose $2.17 to $136.25. VOW (Frankfurt) rose 45 euro cents (61 cents U.S.) to €150.24.
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