Asian Tech Press (Sep 6) -- Apple Inc. has hired two former Mercedes-Benz engineers to join its "Special Projects Group" that could work on "Apple car", MacRumors reported Sept. 3.

One of the hires previously headed up mass production of vehicles, vehicle dynamics, software, and project management at Mercedes. Apple previously hired a former Porsche employee in a similar role, and the latter is now working as a product designer in Apple's "Special Projects group".

Catapulted internally as Project Titan, Apple's electric vehicle project is one of the company's most secretive projects, according to MacRumors. Despite numerous rumors, Apple's ultimate goal in the automotive sector remains unknown. Apple has recently been on a hiring spree for former engineers and executives from major global automakers.

The report also says that Apple is currently in discussions with several suppliers, including Foxconn, about partnering on automotive manufacturing projects. But so far, those discussions have not materialized into any formal deals.

MacRumors revealed that Apple has lost several senior executives from Project Titan during the year, in addition to continued poaching, which could lead to a "derailment" of Apple's pre-determined plans for the car. Kevin Lynch, known for developing the Apple Watch, is now helping to lead Project Titan.