Apple close to car deal with Hyundai-Kia?

CNBC claims Apple is about to make a deal with Hyundai-Kia to manufacture an Apple-branded car at the Kia assembly plant in West Point, Georgia. The Cupertino-based company will reportedly control the software and hardware that goes into the vehicle.

The first Apple Car is said to be a fully autonomous electric vehicle. A source familiar with the plan explained that unlike existing cars, the Apple Car will only offer autonomous driving. Driving the car yourself will not be possible:

“The first Apple Cars will not be designed to have a driver,” said one source with knowledge of the current plan. “These will be autonomous, electric vehicles designed to operate without a driver and focused on the last mile.” That could mean Apple cars, at least initially, could focus on package food delivery operations and firms incorporating robotaxis.

However, CNBC also stresses that the deal could still fall through. Apple may ultimately decide to partner with a different car maker. The report indicates production isn't expected until 2024 at the earliest.