Apple could invest $3.6 billion in Kia Motors as part of the pair’s manufacturing partnership, according to DongA Ilbo. It represents a 4 trillion won investment in the Korean company.
Kia will reportedly be responsible for building Apple Cars at its US facility in Georgia, and it has been reported that the two companies will officially sign an agreement as soon as February 17, with plans to introduce the first car in 2024, though that date could change.
Previous reports suggest that the two companies will aim to produce around 100,000 vehicles per year as soon as manufacturing kicks off, ramping up production based on demand.
By manufacturing the models in Georgia, Apple can quickly deliver vehicles to consumers across the United States, though an international rollout will likely take longer.
This is not the first time we’ve heard rumors of a partnership between Apple and Hyundai, the parent company of Kia. Earlier in the year, we heard that Kia would take charge of the manufacturing process so that Hyundai could continue to manufacture its own vehicles in the US, and so that the company does not spoil its brand or reputation ahead of an Apple Car launch. Although Apple Car will likely prove to be commercially successful, there’s no guarantee that the product will be without its challenges, so Hydunai naturally wants to distance itself from the brand.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to use Hyundai’s E-GMP battery electric vehicle platform for its first Apple Car, and argues that it’ll be 2025 at the earliest before we see an official launch of an Apple Car, depending on how development progresses.
Are you excited about Apple Car? Let us know and check back soon for more news and rumors.