Apple and other EV hopefuls chip away at auto industry pyramid

iPhone maker wooed Japanese A/C parts supplier for its car project

U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian, which counts Amazon.com as its top shareholder, builds cars at a former Mitsubishi Motors factory. (Photo courtesy of Rivian Automotive)

YUKIHIRO OMOTO, RYO ASAYAMA and RYOTARO YAMADA, Nikkei staff writers

January 10, 2022 06:45 JST

TOKYO -- Two years ago this month, a man in a suit showed up at Japanese auto parts maker Sanden's Texas office. The man had a folder, and said he was from Apple.