Apple Moves Forward On Auto Plans

has evolved from being just a computer company to a music mogul, a watchmaker and now-- a car manufacturer. The firm announced concrete plans to create an electric car that it says will be ready for shipment by 2019. Rumors about whether or not the firm is planning to enter the auto industry have been circulating for months, but the

confirmed the company's intentions in an article out on Monday.

Dubbed Titan, the project has required Apple to hire dozens of new employees, many with experience working in the auto industry. Now that the company has openly admitted its car making aspirations, Titan's team is expected to continue expanding. Those familiar with the initiative are projecting the 600 person workforce to triple in the coming years.

Leave it to Apple to maintain a bit of mystery-- the company hasn't confirmed or denied whether or not Titan is exploring the possibility of creating a self driving vehicle. Many expect that the electronics giant is heading in that direction, but Apple execs have been tight-lipped about their intentions for Titan's capabilities. While research regarding autonomous car technology has been ongoing at Apple, the company told the WSJ that the first version of its electric car won't be fully autonomous.

Many question how Apple's brand will translate in the auto industry where well established brands already have a large customer base. However, Apple's user base is nothing if not loyal, so some see Apple's transition into car-making as a smart play.