Apple Car: Apple in talks with 6 Japanese automakers, while Kia is looking for manufacturing partners for its Georgia plant

According to a recent report, Hyundai’s sister company Kia is in talks trying to find manufacturing partners for its rumored production of Apple Car. The upcoming electric vehicle is expected to be manufactured at Kia’s West Point plant, which is located in the United States, Georgia.

An Asian news outlet has recently reported that the Cupertino tech giant is in talks with at least six Japanese automakers regarding supply partnerships and manufacturing contributions.

Kia looking for potential manufacturing partners for Apple Car, while Apple is in talks with 6 Japanese automakers

As reported by The Wall Street Journal:

Kia Corp. has approached potential partners about a plan to assemble Apple Inc.’s long-awaited electric car in Georgia, according to people familiar with the matter.

The proposal would involve a multibillion-dollar investment, according to people familiar with the matter, who stress that a deal hasn’t been completed. If successful, it would thrust the iPhone maker into the car business after several years of secretive work in which its engineers plotted to upend the 100-plus-year-old automotive industry.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Apple is planning to invest $3.6 billion in Kia to help it produce an autonomous electric vehicle. Both companies could enter into an agreement in mid-February. The deal could involve Kia producing 100,000 cars a year for Apple, starting in 2024.

In related news, Asian news outlet Nikkei reports that Apple is in discussions with at least six Japanese automakers regarding supply partnerships and manufacturing contributions. None of the big Japanese automakers confirmed this rumor.

As for Apple Car specs, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed the Apple Car could be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP chassis. The BEV based offers a range over 500km on a full charge, zero to 100kph acceleration in 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 260kph, and charging to 80% in just 18 minutes.

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