APPLE Inc. has registered domain names related to automobiles, adding to speculation about the company’s plans to develop an automobile.

    The iPhone maker registered the domain names, which include apple.car, apple.cars and apple.auto in December, domain information provider Who.is said.

    MacRumors had first reported the news Friday, but said the domain names could be related to Apple’s CarPlay, which lets drivers access contacts on their iPhones, make calls or listen to voicemails without taking their hands off the steering wheel.

    While never openly acknowledging plans to build a car, Apple has been aggressive in recruiting auto experts from companies such as Ford or Mercedes-Benz.(SD-Agencies)