Some observers call Apple a "bank" with regard to its relations with key suppliers:
- From a fiscal perspective, Apple is acting like a trade lender (with moderate to low returns on capital.)
- From the operational perspective Apple is acting as a limited manufacturing partner, just short of an equity holder.
- From a strategic perspective, the Bank of Apple lends only to suppliers that commit to producing for Apple Inc. Thus locking out competitors. (Source)
I think this is an excellent summary, parts of which could be applied to the car industry in the future:
Car contract manufacturers such as
Valmet or
Magna Steyr may not be able to fulfill future Apple's unit sizes at the moment, but neither could most of Apple's current manufacturers some years ago - that's exactly why Apple enters into pre-purchase agreements for key equipment and provides tooling and cash injections for its suppliers.
In fact, Apple may not even need to change suppliers. Many Apple investors may have glanced over the news that Foxconn has revealed it's in the business of making EVs since 2014.