Apple's Eddy Cue Joins Ferrari's Board of Directors

MARANELLO, Italy — Eddy Cue, Apple's head of Internet software and services, has joined the Ferrari board of directors, sparking speculation that Apple may be interested in making devices for vehicles.

"I am delighted that Eddy Cue, one of the main driving forces behind Apple's range of revolutionary products, has now joined our board," said Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari chairman, in a statement. "His huge experience in the dynamic, innovative world of the Internet will be of great assistance to us."

Apple has not yet made any car-centric devices.

Ferrari did not spell out exactly what Cue's role will be or whether it will have any impact on vehicle design or features.

"I am pleased and proud to become a member of the board," said Cue in a statement posted on the Ferrari Web site on Wednesday. "I have personally dreamed of owning a Ferrari since I was 8 years old and have been lucky to be an owner for the past five years. I continue to be awed by the world-class design and engineering that only Ferrari can do."

The Web site AppleInsider said it discovered one car-related patent earlier this year that described a system that would sync an iPhone with a vehicle, sharing information such as contacts and locations.

Edmunds says: It will be fascinating to watch whether Cue brings Apple's focus on simplicity and design to Ferrari's products.