Daimler is considering the possibility of tie-ups with Apple and Google as carmakers realize that building next-generation autos entail inputs from telecoms and software experts.
The rise of self-driving and connected cars has made software an important part in future cars, throwig open the market to US-based technology majors, according to a report by Reuters.
Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche told a quarterly magazine Deutsche Unternehmerboerse: "Many things are conceivable... Google and Apple want to provide system software for cars and bring this entire ecosystem around Apple and Google into the vehicle... That can be interesting for both sides.
"We don't want to become contractors who have no direct content with customers any more and supply hardware to third parties."
The comments of Daimler boss comes in the wake of German rival Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn exhorting collaboration with technology companies with a view to making future cars safer and intelligent.
One alternative for Daimler has been stated as to build cars under a joint venture by putting to use the digital expertise of US partners, said Zetsche and added that his comments were 'purely theoretical'.
However, Zetsche has made it clear that Daimler would resist itself from being demoted to the role of dumb supplier that produces cars for the Silicon Valley firms.
