If you look a few comments higher than mine, you'll see that the context of my comment and the one I replied to start from:

> In another universe, I wonder [about Apple + VW joining forces]

We're not speculating on what might happen tomorrow, just discussing hypotheticals for the scenario in which those companies were wanting to be partners of some kind.

Seems like a complete nightmare. A Californian software company and a German car maker, seems about as conflicting as possible.

Agree with you, that's why my thought was that, if they were to do anything, an acquisition in which VW retains their autonomy and leadership would make more sense than one in which the two executive teams merge and attempt to manage the new dual-culture single company.

The state of Lower Saxony, where VW is located, is also a 20% stakeholder and politically extremely influential.