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Electric car battery firm A123 Systems sues Apple for poaching workers – further proof of the Apple Car?

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

February 19, 2015 | 2 min read

A US electric car battery manufacturer has sued Apple for what it called an “aggressive campaign to poach employees” fuelling further rumours the firm is working on a car project.

Unofficial Apple Car concept by auto designer Liviu Tudoran

Apple Insider reported that the Californian firm has appropriated workers with electric car expertise from A123 Systems - in addition to Daimler AG and Tesla - although to date, Apple has remained tight-lipped about its auto ambitions.

The lawsuit asserts that in June 2014, Apple started poaching A123 staff working on vital projects, to adopt similar roles under the iPhone manufacturer’s remit, in breach of A123’s employment agreements. In all, the conflict was sparked by the movement of five employees to Apple.

The lawsuit, filed on 6 February to the Massachusetts Superior Court, read: “Upon information and belief, Apple is currently developing a large-scale battery division to compete in the very same field as A123.

“In connection with that development, beginning in or around June of 2014, defendant Apple embarked on an aggressive campaign to poach employees of A123 and to otherwise raid A123’s business.”

The lawsuit alleged: “Upon information and belief, Apple has targeted companies in addition to A123 to hire employees with experience in A123’s battery business, including LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba and Johnson Controls.”

The news emerged just as former General Motors head Dan Akerson stated “[Apple] has no idea what they’re getting into” with an entry into the auto industry.

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