Reports from South Korea had indicated that Korean automaker Hyundai may be the preferred manufacturer that will lead the charge in the much awaited Apple car project. Rumours are rife that Hyundai Motor is close to penning a partnership agreement with the company.
Hyundai, in a statement on Wednesday, said it is looking at cooperation with foreign firms with capacity and expertise in self-driving and electric cars. The statement by Hyundai is instructive, as the company had, on several occasions, refused to comment on any speculation surrounding work on an Apple Car.
However, tipsters have continued to predict that the Apple car project is still alive, and progressing with its development. This month, a raft of reports had mentioned Apple and its progress in developing the Apple car. Some reports have also projected that the car will be ready as early as 2024.
A prototype may be unveiled in 2022, according to another report, while it was even mentioned that the production plant will be Kia’s factory in Georgia. It should be noted that the Kia brand is owned by Hyundai Motor Corporation.
Seemingly, the wave of rumours and leaks concerning the Apple car could indicate that we may be approaching a big announcement from Apple in terms of the development of the much expected electric smart vehicle.
Research on evolving battery technology for electric vehicles and autonomous mobility systems could be the potential catalyst that could yield a revolutionary car, and Apple wants to be at the fire of such a breakthrough by researching those aspects actively.
Choosing an established automaker to handle final production is certainly an inevitable and logical choice since Apple does not have the expertise to build any car, much more smart cars.
So, we keep our fingers crossed while we await what becomes of this new partnership between Apple and Kia.
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