Apple has reportedly negotiated with Hyundai for Apple car production [Updated]

Apple plans to work with Hyundai on the upcoming Apple Car, according to a report from the Korean website Korea Economic Daily.

According to the report, Apple has negotiated with Hyundai Motor Group to manufacture an ‘Apple Car’. It is said that Apple intends to manufacture and develop batteries with Hyundai electric vehicles due to the “enormous cost” of the technology and the necessary production facilities.

Several past rumors have suggested that Apple will partner with a manufacturing partner to manufacture the ‘Apple Car’, but so far there has been no word on which manufacturer Apple can partner with. Since the report mentions ‘negotiations’, there may not be an agreement yet, so Apple’s plans could change.

An ‌Apple Car‌ report earlier today from Bloomberg said that work on the project is still in the early stages and that it is not close to a production phase, and that Hyundai is also not mentioned. According to Bloomberg, it will take at least five to seven years before an Apple Car‌ is ready to launch.

Update: In a statement to CNBC, Hyundai confirm that it’s in conversation with Apple. “We understand that Apple is in talks with a variety of global automakers, including Hyundai Motor. As the discussion is at an early stage, nothing is certain.”