Hyundai isn’t the first automaker we’d think of when it comes to elite, luxury vehicles, but according to a new report from local newspaper Korea IT News, Apple is only months away from signing a partnership deal with the Korean car giant to manufacture its heavily hyped electric vehicle.
Reuters, which spotted the coverage, suggests that production could begin as early as 2024 in the United States at Kia Motors’ factory in Georgia. Hyundai and Apple may also opt to invest in a brand-new plant to achieve its goal of manufacturing 400,000 vehicles annually.
“The report follows a statement on Friday from Hyundai Motor that it was in early talks with Apple after another local media outlet said the companies aimed to launch a self-driving electric car in 2027, sending Hyundai shares up nearly 20%,” Bloomberg wrote.
“Hyundai Motor declined to comment on the report on Sunday, and reiterated Friday’s comments that it has received requests for potential cooperation from various companies on developing autonomous EVs.”
Korea IT News’ report also claims that a “beta version” of Apple’s first electric car is being planned for 2022. According to Reuters’ previous coverage, the vehicle will have a unique battery technology that not only enables extended range, but greater safety.