Hyundai Motor and Kia Near Final Stage of Apple Car Production Negotiations

CNBC Broadcast, Citing Officials
"Chairman Chung Euisun Leads"
Expected Catalyst for Hyundai Motor's Autonomous Vehicle Development

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] According to the US economic media CNBC, negotiations between Apple and Hyundai Motor Company and Kia for the contract production of autonomous electric vehicles are nearing the final stages.

On the 3rd (local time), CNBC cited sources reporting that the negotiations to manufacture Apple's autonomous electric vehicles at Kia's factory in West Point, Georgia, USA, are approaching the final phase.

The sources stated, "The Apple Car is scheduled to enter production in 2024, but the final release date may be delayed," and predicted, "The first Apple Car will be a fully autonomous vehicle that does not require a driver."

Additionally, the sources said that no final agreement has yet been reached between Apple and Hyundai Motor Company and Kia, and that Apple may partner with other automakers. They added, "We cannot be 100% certain of a deal."

CNBC reported that Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, is leading the cooperation with Apple. The sources explained that Chairman Chung has focused on Apple's preparation of fully autonomous vehicles. It is analyzed that through cooperation with Apple, Hyundai's brand autonomous vehicle development can also be accelerated.

Hyundai Motor Company has established a joint venture called Motional with Aptiv, a US autonomous vehicle development company, and is developing autonomous vehicles.

The sources explained that Apple wants to produce the Apple Car in the North American region.

This suggests a prioritization of domestic vehicle production in the US, as President Joe Biden recently announced the 'Buy America' policy, pledging to replace all official vehicles with American-made electric vehicles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.