Daimler CEO On Apple And Google's Progress In Auto Space: 'These Companies Can Do More And Know More Than We Had Previously Assumed'

Apple Inc. AAPL and Alphabet Inc GOOG's progress in the automotive space is said to be so advanced, it is surprising to industry veterans.

According to Reuters, Daimler's Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche is among the industry veterans that failed to accurately predict the technology companies advancements in their un-traditional and new market.

See Also: Ford Exec: 'We Welcome' Apple And Google Into Auto Space

"Our impression was that these companies can do more and know more than we had previously assumed," Zetsche told Welt am Sonntag, a German-based media publication. "At the same time they have more respect for our achievements than we thought."

Zetsche's comments were made after he traveled to Silicon Valley with an entourage of senior managers.

"There were concrete talks. I will not say anything about the content. It was not just about the fact that there is an innovative spirit in the Valley. We know that already. We wanted to see what drives it, and all the things that can be created from it," Zetsche was also quoted as saying.