Ferrari chair learns management tips in meeting with Apple's Tim Cook
The chairman and president of Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari recently had a two-hour meeting with Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook to talk about corporate strategy and management styles.
Luca di Montezemolo shared the details of his meeting with Cook to students of Stanford University in a lecture this week, according to Wired. In his talk, Di Montezemolo revealed that he gained insight from Cook on Apple's focus on simplicity, design, and "a passion for product."
The Ferrari chairman praised Apple's management style and leadership. He noted that employees at the company continue to carry on the legacy of Apple's late co-founder, Steve Jobs.
"Vision is something crucial for your people," di Montezemolo told the students. "Give them clear goals, clear priorities, and give everyone the possibility to grow up."
No indication was given by di Montezemolo that he and Cook spoke about any future products or partnerships between the two companies. An official account of the meeting direct from Ferrari quoted its chairman as saying he was "impressed" by the "availability and openness" of Cook.
"We're building cars, they build computers," he said. "But Apple and Ferrari are connected by the same passion, the same love for the product, maniacal attention to technology, but also to design."
In March, it was reported that Apple was looking to hire automotive engineers in China for an undisclosed product. According to a job listing, Apple was looking for a supervisor "with experience in CNC/die casting/stamping/plastic injection."
Apple was also rumored to have shown interest in dabbling in the automotive space in 2007, when it was claimed that the company was in talks with Volkswagen over building an Apple-integrated concept car.
Luca di Montezemolo shared the details of his meeting with Cook to students of Stanford University in a lecture this week, according to Wired. In his talk, Di Montezemolo revealed that he gained insight from Cook on Apple's focus on simplicity, design, and "a passion for product."
The Ferrari chairman praised Apple's management style and leadership. He noted that employees at the company continue to carry on the legacy of Apple's late co-founder, Steve Jobs.
"Vision is something crucial for your people," di Montezemolo told the students. "Give them clear goals, clear priorities, and give everyone the possibility to grow up."
No indication was given by di Montezemolo that he and Cook spoke about any future products or partnerships between the two companies. An official account of the meeting direct from Ferrari quoted its chairman as saying he was "impressed" by the "availability and openness" of Cook.
"We're building cars, they build computers," he said. "But Apple and Ferrari are connected by the same passion, the same love for the product, maniacal attention to technology, but also to design."
In March, it was reported that Apple was looking to hire automotive engineers in China for an undisclosed product. According to a job listing, Apple was looking for a supervisor "with experience in CNC/die casting/stamping/plastic injection."
Apple was also rumored to have shown interest in dabbling in the automotive space in 2007, when it was claimed that the company was in talks with Volkswagen over building an Apple-integrated concept car.
Comments
Okay, I actually have to call bull on this title. That's reaching. Reaching looks at that and says, "Whoa, now, get me a Han-D-Arm; I can't get to that."
Has di Montezemolo heard of Starck and Valve?
Next thing we know, Apple will deny this meeting ever took place.
I'm betting he's a fast learner.
</sarcastic>
In the same spirit as no cup holders, he is working with Apple to develop a safety feature which will automatically disable iPhone while Ferrari is in motion.
New Ferrari color available: Apple Red
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suddenly Newton
LOL...Just another brand trying to ride Apple's coattails.
</sarcastic>
Perhaps Ferrari wants to include a red iPhone with their stallion logo on the back with every car? You read it here first!!!
Quote:
In March, it was reported that Apple was looking to hire automotive engineers in China for an undisclosed product. According to a job listing, Apple was looking for a supervisor "with experience in CNC/die casting/stamping/plastic injection."
Apple was also rumored to have shown interest in dabbling in the automotive space in 2007, when it was claimed that the company was in talks with Volkswagen over building an Apple-integrated concept car.
Probably something to do with bonding metal and plastic. http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=20686
Aha, clear proof of liquidmetal in future products.
J.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sflocal
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suddenly Newton
LOL...Just another brand trying to ride Apple's coattails.
</sarcastic>
Perhaps Ferrari wants to include a red iPhone with their stallion logo on the back with every car? You read it here first!!!
If this guy thinks Apple allows other companies' logos on the iPhone, he needs a few more sessions with Cook.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say they probably discussed audio/dashboard UI.
I would guess that Apple is doing R&D in all sorts of areas that are unrelated to their present core products -- TV, auto, appliances, utilities, etc. -- where a better approach to UI could make huge improvement in the user experience.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
"We're building cars, they build computers," he said. "But Apple and Ferrari are connected by the same passion, the same love for the product, maniacal attention to technology, but also to design."
A passion for design? As in the Ferrari Enzo?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tundraboy
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
"We're building cars, they build computers," he said. "But Apple and Ferrari are connected by the same passion, the same love for the product, maniacal attention to technology, but also to design."
A passion for design? As in the Ferrari Enzo?
Or the 458
I thought this new forum software had an anti-porn filter. How did it let those through ;-)
If you haven't been following the Formula 1 season this year, it seems Ferrari needs all the help they can get.
http://www.planet-f1.com/driver/18227/7700723/Domenicali-We-must-step-up-a-gear
Obscenely great!
I had the pleasure to attend a lecture by Montezemolo too, when he came last october in my university in Milan, Italy (I'm studying business too).
What did impress me most (after his *huge* ego O.o) was a sentence he said, and repeated this time in Stanford:
"You could buy a German car, like Porsche. They are great, perfect in every detail, they never break down. But they're cold. We [Ferrari] build cars that are not just fast, but also pleasant to drive, give emotions."
Basically: it's not just technology, and it's not just some mechanical parts put together. It's HOW you put everything together!
Other things he said were about company organization, employees motivation, etc...
PS: The 458 Italia is an amazing car. But have a look at the F12 Berlinetta just launched