Apple stops electric car talks with Hyundai and Kia

Several rumors over the past week have indicated that Apple has discussed the production of Apple cars with Hyundai and the Kia in Hyundai, but talks have been halted recently, reports Bloomberg.

Apple has also discussed its Apple Car plans with other carmakers, so despite rumors suggesting that Apple is considering a deal with Hyundai / Kia, Apple could sign a deal with another company. Nikkei said earlier today that Apple had talked to at least six Japanese automakers about supply partnerships and manufacturing contributions.

Earlier this week, CNBC said Apple was close to concluding an agreement with Kia. Apple’s talks with Hyundai have been known since the beginning of January when Hyundai confirmed that it had talks 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,” the company said. Just hours later, Hyundai withdrew the statement and eliminated the reference to Apple.

Hyundai’s announcement and other detailed rumors about Apple’s negotiations with the carmaker have upset Apple. According to Bloomberg, it is not clear if and when discussions between Apple and Hyundai can resume, but there are a limited number of car manufacturers that can manufacture vehicles for Apple.

If talks resume, it is likely that Apple will eventually partner with Kia to manufacture the Apple Car at Kia’s US plant in Georgia.

Apple has time to sort out its manufacturing and production plans Bloomberg an earlier report said it would take five to seven years before the Apple Car was ready to launch.