Apple Watch exec takes over car project as outgoing manager defects to Ford – UPDATE

UPDATE, September 13: Apple will be recruiting from within – with Vice President of Technology Kevin Lynch said to be taking over the lead role on the Apple car project.

A report from Bloomberg says Lynch joined the Apple car project in July, following his work on the Apple Watch.

The appointment appears to confirm that technology will be the focus of the new autonomous electric car, rather than on more traditional aspects.

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September 8: The man responsible for leading Apple’s autonomous electric car project has jumped ship.

Ford CEO Jim Farley announced Doug Field has been hired by Ford to take on the role of chief advanced technology and embedded systems officer.

Prior to working as vice president of special projects at Apple, Field held the title of senior vice president of engineering at Tesla, but began his career in the 1980s at the Blue Oval.

“Doug is one of the world’s most respected engineering and product design leaders and has been a driving force behind breakthrough products across auto, tech and mobility – including at Apple, Tesla and Segway,” Farley said.

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The move signals Ford’s commitment to developing autonomous vehicle technology in its future models, and will provide the US car giant with valuable intelligence regarding Apple’s plans, which are expected to shake up the new-car market.

Apple has yet to announce a replacement, and it’s not clear how the change will impact the tech giant's automotive ambitions.

While Apple has been tight-lipped about its electric car project, leaks from potential suppliers has caused a flurry of rumours over the past year.

In the last week, reports have emerged suggesting Apple had purchased Chrysler’s former proving grounds in Arizona for US$125 million (AU$168 million), while Asian media revealed Apple executives had travelled to South Korea and Japan to meet with representatives from the auto industry.