Apple’s automated project Titan EV project seized on the news of late rumors that it might be built on a platform developed by Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia. However, the potential deal went from ‘close’ to ‘interrupted’ fairly quickly, and now carmakers say they are no longer in talks with Apple, according to Bloomberg.
Hyundai would have provided the electric vehicle platform in North America for Project Titan, while Apple would develop the vehicle’s hardware and software. Hyundai has confirmed that talks have taken place, although it is a bit entrenched by saying that “we understand that Apple is in talks with a variety of global carmakers, including Hyundai Motors.”
Production is expected to begin by 2024, according to one report by IT News in Korea, so the latest development is quite a disappointment from that. However, Apple’s famous privacy is a breeding ground for rumors, especially about a product that could potentially result in an autonomous EV.
It is possible that the companies have decided to hold negotiations, and that they can still start. According to a recent report, Apple apparently also spoke to six Japanese car manufacturers Nikkei report. However, analyst Ming-chi Kuo, who has a good record on Apple rumors, recently said Apple Insider that Apple still intends to use Hyundai’s E-GMP platform for its first EV, while Kia will not manufacture the vehicle in the US until 2025.