Apple Car just can’t get a break.
On Monday, Hyundai and Kia said they’re not in talks with Apple regarding development of an autonomous car, according to Reuters.
A Bloomberg report added that Apple paused discussions with the two Korean companies on building an electric car “weeks ago.” Apple has also talked with other manufacturers, the report claims.
It’s unclear whether a deal with Hyundai or the affiliated Kia is completely off the table, or whether it could be revisited at a later date. After confirming the talks with Apple in January, Hyundai quickly backpedaled, confirming only that it’s been talking to partners about building an autonomous electric car. Now, the chance of the deal ever happening definitely seems diminished.
Hyundai’s admittance that it’s been talking to Apple about building an autonomous car spurred a flurry of reports, with one claiming Apple will invest $3.6 billion in Kia Motors, and another revealing the possible specifications of the upcoming car, which include 300 miles of range and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in less than 3.5 seconds. Most of the reports said, however, that the actual car won’t be launched until 2024 or later, and that Apple’s plans could still change.
Every rumor about the project we’ve seen – and there have been plenty over the years – has been squashed by reality. Apple was rumored to be working on a car since 2014, but the initial project, codenamed “Project Titan,” apparently folded when Apple laid off dozens of employees and reportedly shuttered parts of the project.
The rumors never quite went away, though, and they’re bound to stay this time, too. Last week, Nikkei reported that at least six Japanese companies are talking to Apple about developing an electric car.