Is An Apple iCar A Serious Thing?

Over the past few months, several media outlets and analysts have been suggesting that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is looking into the auto industry, with the idea of producing a smart vehicle of its own.

"This news has struck fear into automakers and has seen investors ask us about our views on the realism of the concept," Bernstein analyst Max Warburton said. The firm recently provided a take on the concept, and its implications and consequences.

"To try to understand the possibilities and consequences better, on March 26th we hosted a live discussion between Toni Sacconaghi, Bernstein's US IT Hardware analyst and Max Warburton, Bernstein's Global Auto sector analyst.

"From the Apple side we can see the attractions of the car market. But a series of developments (e.g. electric powertrains, autonomous driving etc.) will need to align to make an iCar feasible."

Related Link: Is There A Realistic Timeline For Apple's Car?

One question remains: "Can Apple move faster in these areas than existing OEMs?"

Shares of Apple traded recently at $126.19, up 0.47 percent.