Hyundai and Kia say they are no longer in talks with Apple over Apple Car production

Hyundai Motor and its subsidiary Kia Motors are no longer in talks with Apple over producing the iPhone maker’s rumored new electric vehicle, the “Apple Car,” according to Bloomberg.

The South Korean vehicle manufacturer confirmed in January that it was one of a variety of global automakers currently in discussions with Apple over the potential production its rumored self-driving car, before quickly attempting to cover its tracks and withdrawing its statement, likely after Apple came down on the firm for publicly discussing its unannounced vehicle, which is being developed with the highest level of secrecy.

After Hyundai spoke out about Apple’s plans, a flurry of “Apple Car” reports emerged, claiming the vehicle would be produced at Kia’s manufacturing plant in Georgia, US, with around 100,000 vehicles per year expected to be made. Rumors said the vehicle may not have a steering wheel, with Apple instead focusing on self-driving capabilities and voice-control.

Reuters claimed Apple had successfully developed a new battery design that would “radically” reduce the cost of the electric car batteries as well as increasing the vehicle’s range, calling the car technology “next level,” and likening it to “the first time you saw the iPhone.”

Bloomberg reported last week that Apple was expected to sign a $3.6 billion contract with Kia Motors later this month before saying discussions had been paused, likely as Apple assessed the deal following the numerous reports and leaks coming from the carmaker.

Now, it appears that Apple has completely stopped any discussions with Hyundai Motor, with the firm confirming that it was no longer speaking with the Cupertino company about the making of a self-driving electric vehicle.

Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. said that they aren’t in discussions with Apple Inc. on cooperating to develop a self-driving electric vehicle, following reports and speculation that they were working with the tech giant, reports Bloomberg. The South Korean carmakers have been talking with multiple companies about autonomous electric car development, but no decision has been made, they said in regulatory filings Monday.

It is unclear what affect this latest development will have on the “Apple Car,” which was rumored to launch as soon as 2024. Previous reports have claimed that Apple is speaking with at least six other carmakers.