Apple and Hyundai Motor Company were unable to reach an agreement to co-produce a self-driving electric car in the United States.
As suggested by insiders, the reason is data leaks, thanks to which negotiations became public. Apparently, Apple was upset that the negotiations were widely publicized because the tech giant usually prefers to keep its projects and relationships with suppliers in secret.
The Internet Protocol
Hyundai and Kia have confirmed that the companies have ended negotiations regarding the production of the Apple Car. Hyundai and Kia also said they had received requests from various companies to develop self-driving electric vehicles. Still, no final decision was made as negotiations were in the early stages and did not move in a positive direction.
Earlier on February 4, CNBC reported that Apple had almost reached an agreement with Hyundai and Kia to produce the Apple Car. It was assumed that the production would start in 2024 at the Kia plant in Georgia.
It was also noted that the agreement has not yet been reached, and Apple may choose another automaker for its project.
The Internet Protocol
Earlier, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the Apple Car would be based on Hyundai's E-GMP electric vehicle platform, which would have allowed for a range of over 300 miles, acceleration to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 160 miles per hour, up to an 80% charge within 18 minutes, and more.
It is known that Apple is still in discussions with at least six Japanese automakers, so the tech giant is in the early stage of negotiations with automakers around the world.
In any case, the Apple Car is still years away from being released, with predictions ranging from 2024 to 2028.
