[단독]’Apple Car’ Kia decided to take over.. A cooperation base for the Georgia plant in the US

[이데일리 손의연 이승현 기자] It is reported that the group that received an electric vehicle-related cooperation proposal from Apple has internally organized Kia to be in charge of this project. If Kia decides to do this, the Apple car production base will be at Kia’s Georgia plant in the US.

Kia’s new logo and brand slogan

According to the industry on the 19th, the Hyundai Motor Group has caught up with Kia’s review and business progress related to the Apple car cooperation.

Kia announced on the 15th that it will promote businesses such as mobility solutions and purpose-based vehicles (PBVs) in’Plan S’, a mid- to long-term strategy announced on the 15th. It is not only sticking to the Kia brand, but to develop and supply customized vehicles in cooperation with various mobility providers. The Hyundai Motor Group seems to have decided that Kia’s plan is suitable for the Apple car business.

Kia President Song Ho-sung said in an announcement on the future strategy on the 15th, “The change of the Kia brand reflects the will to meet the diverse needs of customers around the world and open new horizons through expansion into new business areas.”

When Kia confirms business cooperation through discussions with Apple, the cooperation project will be conducted based on the Georgia plant in the US. This is because we believe that working at a business in the United States can facilitate cooperation with Apple. Apple car production is also expected to take place at the Georgia plant. However, it is reported that Hyundai Motors is not in the Apple car business because it is not suitable for the Apple car business because of its strong will to continue to grow its Hyundai brand. There are also concerns that if Apple rather than Hyundai Motor takes the lead in the Apple car business, Hyundai Motor may become an OEM factory for Apple cars.

An industry insider predicted that “Hyundai Motor, which has strong brand power, has decided that it is not necessary to take over the Apple car business,” and predicted, “It will be a very meaningful business for Kia to dominate the future mobility market.”

Hyundai Motor Group is still cautious. Hyundai Motor Company said, “It has not been decided as an initial stage.”

Kia Plant in Georgia, USA (Photo = Kia)