Apple, Volkswagen brainstorm over an ‘iCar’

Computer maker Apple Inc. and German automaker Volkswagen are discussing the possibility of building an “iCar” that would feature products by the producer of the ubiquitous iPod personal music player.

Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs and Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn met several days ago in California and plan to meet for further discussions, said Hans-Gerd Bode, a spokesman for VW.

There are “scores of ideas” but few concrete plans at this point, Bode said. Apple could not be reached for comment.

Market experts say a compact car upgraded with Apple products would be of substantial interest to young target groups, according to German financial magazine Capital.

Apple already works with VW and others to offer an integrated in-car hookup for iPods.

Electronics are increasingly a selling point. Ford Motor Co., for instance, will debut this fall an in-car communication and entertainment system developed with Microsoft Corp. for $395 as an option.

The system, called Sync, allows drivers, using voice recognition or steering wheel controls, to listen to digital music players and have text messages on cellphones read aloud.