Apple interrupts talks about electric cars with Hyundai and Kia

Several rumors over the past week have suggested that Apple has discussed Apple’s car manufacturing with Hyundai and its affiliate Hyundai Kia, but those negotiations have been halted recently, reports Bloomberg.

Apple has also been discussing its plans for the Apple Car with other car makers, so despite rumors suggesting that Apple is considering a deal with Hyundai / Kia, Apple could make a deal with another company. Nikkei Earlier today, he said Apple was talking to at least six Japanese automakers about supply partnerships and manufacturing contributions.

Earlier this week, CNBC said Apple was close to finalizing a deal with Kia. Apple’s negotiations with Hyundai have been known since early January, when Hyundai confirmed that it had maintained negotiations with Apple.

“We understand that Apple is in discussion with a variety of global automakers, including Hyundai Motor. As the discussion is in its early stages, nothing has been decided,” said the company. A few hours later, Hyundai revised the statement and removed the reference to Apple.

Hyundai’s announcement and other detailed rumors about Apple’s dealings with the automaker upset Apple. According Bloomberg, it is unclear if and when discussions between Apple and Hyundai can resume, but there are a limited number of automakers that would be able to manufacture vehicles for Apple.

If negotiations resume, it is likely that Apple will end up partnering with Kia to manufacture the pleApple Car‌ at Kia’s US plant in Georgia.

Apple has some time to organize its manufacturing and production plans Bloomberg in a previous report, he said it would be five to seven years before the “Apple Car” was ready to launch.