According to AZ Big Media, a former Chrysler proving ground for automotive testing outside Phoenix, Arizona that was rumored to have been used by Apple was purchased by the company for $125 million. The firm had leased it for five years.
In 2017, it was reported that Route 14 Investment Partners LLC had signed the lease for the facility. Rumours suggested Apple was involved, but there was no proof. The Phoenix office of law firm Greenberg Traurig represents Route 14, hiding the true owner of the company.
Route 14 has exercised its option to buy the property (which consists of 34 parcels) for $125million in cash. The purchase agreement was signed June 25, 2021. MacRumors also saw a deed as well as an assumption of a City of Surprise development agreement dated July 30, which were both visible in the document.
Although we have not been able yet to tie Apple to Route 14 in any concrete way, it is clear that the people behind this firm have deep pockets and a long-term investment in the testing facility.
Over the past few years, rumors about Apple's work in autonomous driving systems as well as actual electric cars have fluctuated. According to a recent report, Apple is currently visiting Toyota in order to establish a supplier network that will allow it to produce an Apple-branded vehicle starting in 2024.
