A new report from Korean news site Korea Economic Daily. says Apple is in talks with Hyundai to work together in building the Cupertino firm’s Apple Car.
The report indicates that Apple is in negotiations with the Korean carmaker to not only manufacture an electric car but to also develop batteries, due to the “enormous costs” of the technology and the production facilities required.
Google translation of the article:
As a result of an interview with Korea Economic Daily on the 8th, it was confirmed that Apple is in the process of negotiating and proposing cooperation with the Hyundai Motor Group to launch an Apple car. It is said that the review has already been completed inside the Hyundai Motor Group, and only the home of Chairman Eui-sun Eui-sun remains.
Apple is collaborating with Hyundai Motor Group not only to produce electric vehicles but also to develop batteries, the core of Apple cars. Apple and Hyundai Motor Group are expected to promote battery development at one of Hyundai Motor’s or Kia Motors’ US factories.
The report makes it sound as if negotiations between Apple and Hyundai are ongoing, and no deal has yet been made, so Apple’s plans could certainly change.
A Hyundai spokesperson made a statement to CNBC on Thursday that confirmed the company is in talks with Apple. “We understand that Apple is in discussion with a variety of global automakers, including Hyundai Motor. As the discussion is at its early stage, nothing has been decided.”
A Bloomberg report this morning says Hyundai has backed away a bit, first revising that initial statement, removing the reference to other automakers. It then revised it for a third time, removing Apple from the comment: “We’ve been receiving requests for potential cooperation from various companies regarding development of autonomous EVs,” reads the latest version. “No decisions have been made as discussions are in early stage.”
