Hyundai walks back news of Apple partnership, report says
The South Korean automaker was purportedly involved with Apple in making the long-rumored Apple car.
As of Thursday evening, Hyundai Motor's stock prices were marching upward by as much as 17.5 percent, according to a report published by Reuters of discussions with Apple about possible relations between the two companies, but now it would seem as though reports of that partnership were premature, according to a report published Friday by CarScoops.
Hyundai has since removed all references to the partnership on its website and also issued a statement saying: "We've been receiving requests for potential cooperation from various companies regarding development of autonomous EVs. No decisions have been made as discussions are in early stage."
It's unclear at this time whether the announcement of a partnership between the South Korean automaker and Apple to develop the Apple car, aka Project Titan was made in error by an employee or if things involving the negotiations have changed. Hyundai was allegedly set to head up the battery design for the electric vehicle.
This news comes just a few weeks after the announcement that Hyundai had acquired an 80% controlling stake in creepy robot dog manufacturer Boston Dynamics for $921 million. We frankly cringe at the thought of creepy robotic EV charging snakes or worse coming out of this.
Hyundai didn't immediately respond to Roadshow's request for comment.
Update Jan. 8, 2021, 11:07 a.m.: Story updated to reflect change in Hyundai's website and lack of mention of Apple directly, as well as a new statement from the company.