Marques quell Apple Car rumours

Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia have confirmed they are “not in talks” with Apple over producing an autonomous electric vehicle (EV) following weeks of speculation about a tie-up.

South Korea’s largest carmakers say they are considering forming partnerships with foreign companies on similar developments but “decisions are yet to be made”.

It is the first official comment from the marques since reports surfaced linking them to the Apple Car project in early January 2021. 

“We are receiving requests for co-operation in joint development of autonomous electric vehicles from various companies, but they are at early stage and nothing has been decided,” the carmakers say.

“We are not having talks with Apple on developing autonomous vehicles.”

Hyundai Motor initially confirmed media reports this year that it would be working with Apple to develop self-driving electric vehicles by 2027.

It later released statements removing all mentions of Apple and there were rumours of internal opposition at becoming an Apple contract manufacturer, according to Reuters.

Apple is now negotiating with at least six Japanese companies on the Apple Car project, reports the Nikkei news site.