The logo of Hyundai is shown at the #WeAreMobility fair at the 97th edition of the Brussels Motor Show on 18 January 2019, in Brussels.
Dirk Waem | AFP via Getty Images
SINGAPORE — South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor said it’s in the early stages of discussions with Apple over the possibility of working together to develop a self-driving car.
“We understand that Apple is in discussion with a variety of global automakers, including Hyundai Motor. As the discussion is at its early stage, nothing has been decided,” a representative from Hyundai Motor told CNBC’s Chery Kang.
The statement followed a local report from the Korea Economic Daily that said Apple suggested the tie-up and Hyundai Motor was reviewing the terms. The report said both electric vehicle production as well as battery development were included in the proposal, and that the car could potentially be released in 2027.
CNBC has reached out to Apple for comment.
Speculation about an Apple car has been rife for several years but nothing concrete has materialized.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters last month reported that Apple was moving forward with its self-driving car technology, targeting to produce a passenger vehicle by 2024.
While the report sent shares soaring for companies that build parts for autonomous cars, prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the hype was purely on speculation that some of those companies may supply parts for the Apple car.
Kuo warned that the market was “too bullish” on the Apple car and said he wouldn’t be surprised if the vehicle doesn’t launch until 2028 or later.
Hyundai Motor shares surged 16.50% in South Korea.
— CNBC’s Chery Kang contributed to this report
