Earlier quoted context omitted.
Despite becoming more similar in recent years, the cell phone supply chain is still very different than the automotive supply chain. The number of parts/unit differs by an order of magnitude and so does the size and weight, not to mention manufacturing techniques and materials. These are capabilities, not so much skills, and they aren't as transferable as you may think. For instance, logistically things are very diff…
The regulatory differences are also huge. Apple has negliglible experience dealing with the raft of certifications and demonstrations of compliance that car manufacturers have to go through.
If their staff can’t figure it out, they have plenty of cash to hire the people or organizations that do.