The rumors surrounding Apple’s automotive ambitions have escalated this week, following reports that a joint conversation with BMW and Daimler has fallen through, and that Apple has set up a small lab in Berlin to develop its vehicular strategy. Most of the recent news centers around Germany, where it was earlier reported that Apple was establishing a lab in the country, staffed by between 15 to 20 people. The news came from the German outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which was then picked up by the wider Apple-focused press. The lab is housed in Berlin, with the staff assembled from the German automotive industry, stemming from engineering, software, hardware, and sales. These “top class” employees are said to be furthering Project…