Apple Car Rendered Image/Photo = Apple Insider Capture
CNBC of the United States reported on the 3rd (local time) that Apple has decided to join hands with Hyundai and Kia to produce Apple cars.
According to reports, Apple is planning to finalize a final agreement with Hyundai Kia to produce self-driving electric vehicles under the Apple brand at Kia’s factory in West Point, Georgia.
Apple cars go into production in 2024. It is reported that Apple wants to have control over hardware as well as software when producing Apple cars. Even if an Apple car is produced at the Kia factory, this means that the Kia model is not equipped with Apple software (SW), but a complete’Apple car’.
However, according to sources cited by CNBC, the production timing may be delayed somewhat, and Hyundai Motor may not be the only target for cooperation. It is reported that the two companies have not yet reached a final agreement.
The source said, “Apple can cooperate with other automakers other than Hyundai, and it can also try to cooperate with other partners while working with Hyundai.”
The source also described several features of the Apple Car. A source said, “The first Apple car will be an autonomous electric vehicle that does not require a driver,” and said, “We will focus on the last mile (the final delivery section delivered from the logistics center to the consumer).”
Meanwhile, TF International researcher Guo Ming-chi, an Apple analyst, said in a recent report that Apple’s first Apple car is expected to be based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicle platform’E-GMP’.
Researcher Mingchi Guo predicted that Hyundai Mobis will lead the part design and production, and Kia will be in charge of production in the United States. At the same time, it is analyzed that electric vehicles have 40 to 50 times more parts than general smartphones, so they will have to rely on existing automakers for the launch of the first Apple car.
Researcher Guo Ming-chi also predicted that after the launch of the first Apple car, Apple will be able to develop a follow-up model through partnerships with General Motors (GM) and European PSA.
However, both Apple and Hyundai and Kia are refraining from making official announcements or comments regarding the agreement.
Seongsu Bae, reporter Hankyung.com [email protected]
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