Apple pauses 'Apple Car' talks with Hyundai, report says

Apple's discussions with Hyundai and Kia about building an electric "Apple Car" were put on pause recently, according to a new report.

Apple was upset about Hyundai's announcement that it was in talks to join the electric car project, Bloomberg reported. Earlier in January, Hyundai — and its subsidiary Kia — backed away from the statement.

It's not clear if or when the discussions might resume. There are internal disagreements within Hyundai that could derail the plans, with one person saying there is a "dispute" about whether Hyundai or Kia will get to produce the Apple autonomous vehicle.

A report from January indicated that Hyundai executives are still mulling whether it's worth the risks to take on Apple as a customer.

If the talks do resume, Kia is expected to be the more likely choice. It's seeking to build an Apple car at its plant in Georgia.

A source told Bloomberg that Apple has also been discussing similar plans with other automakers, but did not name any names. Apple is also said to be in talks with multiple Japanese carmakers.

The vehicle is rumored to be built on Hyundai's E-GMP electric vehicle platform, with Hyundai chipping in with component design and production.

Earlier in February, Apple was said to be nearing a deal with Kia on a $3.6 billion investment to bring the Apple self-driving car to life.

60 Comments

iadlib 116 comments · 14 Years

About 3 years ago

How dumb are these companies?? If you’re in talks with Apple, do your research, realize they’re notoriously secretive, and shut your damn mouth!

jdw 1442 comments · 18 Years

AppleInsider said:

Apple is also said to be in talks with multiple Japanese carmakers.

That is certainly a relief to hear! Such would help ensure Apple a place in the world's third largest economy. That doesn't mean smoothly sailing though because I've only rarely seen a Tesla here and there on the roads in central Japan. But it's better than ZERO, which is the case for Hyundai or Kia cars in Japan. It would also ensure the highest standard of build quality moving forward.

MplsP 4020 comments · 8 Years

jdw said:

AppleInsider said:

Apple is also said to be in talks with multiple Japanese carmakers.

That is certainly a relief to hear! Such would help ensure Apple a place in the world's third largest economy. That doesn't mean smoothly sailing though because I've only rarely seen a Tesla here and there on the roads in central Japan. But it's better than ZERO, which is the case for Hyundai or Kia cars in Japan. It would also ensure the highest standard of build quality moving forward.

Hyundai/kia aren't exactly 2nd rate cars, and not all Japanese cars are stellar. More importantly for me, the Toyota dealers around here are have horrible service.