In the last weeks of 2020 and the first of 2021 a rumor has intensified on all topics: the Apple car. This project has gone through many phases, but now it seems like a real open secret. Apple wants to sell a self-driving electric car and needs someone to build it.
The rumors we had heard sounded very encouraging, because Apple would have found a partner in the Korean brand Hyundai of reliable and experienced manufacturing. However now it does not seem so clear.
According to a new report from ReutersHyundai executives are divided over this opportunity. There are several important people within the Korean brand who They don’t understand that Hyundai has to manufacture for another.
Hyundai and Apple Car, an agreement broken before starting?
It is clear that Apple needs a big manufacturer to assemble its car. It’s something the company already does with the rest of its devices, but it’s something particularly important in a car.
Hyundai appeared to be Apple’s company of choice. Many years of experience, millions of cars sold in dozens of countries and with a factory in the United States where the Apple Car could be made. However, some voices within the company spoke out against this possible agreement.
“We wonder how to do it, whether it is good or not. We are not a company that makes cars for others. Not that working with Apple always gives great results
The report says negotiations have been active since 2018, however Hyundai has never manufactured for other brands, and doing it for Apple would change the way they do things.
“It’s really hard (for Hyundai) to open up, ”said the person, adding that the South Korean company would likely have to replace some executives to avoid culture shock in association with Apple.“.
“Apple is the boss. They’re marketing, they’re making their products, they’re making their mark. Hyundai is also the boss. And it may not really work“.
We’ll see if at the end Apple concludes deal with Hyundai or seeks alternative partner. The company plans to start manufacturing the Apple car in 2024, so sooner or later it will need a trusted partner.
