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News reported that Kia Motors is contacting potential partners in preparation for the possibility of assembling an’Apple Car’ at a plant in Georgia, USA.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported this by citing sources on the 5th (local time). However, sources said, “The negotiations on cooperation between Kia Motors and Apple on self-driving electric vehicles are not over.”
According to WSJ, Kia Motors’ parent company, Hyundai Motors, invests 3 billion dollars (about 3.4 trillion won) in negotiations with Apple, and Kia Motors is discussing ways to start producing cars with the Apple brand as early as 2024.
If an agreement is reached, up to 100,000 units can be assembled at Kia’s Georgia plant from the first year of production.
Accordingly, it is known that Hyundai-Kia Motors is in contact with potential production partners in advance in preparation for the possibility of an end to the negotiations.
Apple car pictures.
However, WSJ pointed out that Hyundai and Kia are not the only automakers that Apple is talking about regarding electric vehicles. That’s because Apple has been in contact with several vendors since the end of last year.
WSJ believes that if Apple chooses Hyundai and Kia Motors as partners, Apple Cars will be similar to the iPhone production method in cooperation with third-party manufacturing partners. Apple focuses on design, software and digital functions, and supply chain and automotive engineering can rely on partner companies’ capabilities.
Some say that Apple will not rely on only one supplier to enter a new field. It is also a factor of concern that Apple has had a precedent that has been rumored with various automakers and eventually faded.
Previously, CNBC broadcast reported that the negotiations between Apple and Hyundai-Kia Motors were nearing the final stage, but a final agreement has not yet been reached.
Reporter Chae Seon-hee [email protected]
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