Apple is not likely going to let another company run the show when it comes to one of its own products, even its first automobile. However, it does need the help of some other company out there to help manufacture the thing. So, in light of that, and other recent reports, there’s a new story out today that aims to shed some light on potential candidates.
The report today comes from Bloomberg, and it goes over a variety of potential options for Apple as it moves towards its first automobile. As it stands right now, despite all the reports of conversations between other companies, it appears Apple hasn’t made a decision quite yet. And while Hyundai and Kia might not be in the running anymore, there are a lot of other options.
For example, this latest report starts with Foxconn, the long-time manufacturing partner of Apple’s. Last year, Foxconn actually unveiled its own electric vehicle chassis and software platform. This could mean the company is a likely candidate to help with Apple’s Project Titan endeavor. If everything goes according to plan for Foxconn, the company will also release a solid state battery in 2024 — which would line up with rumors regarding the Apple Car‘s debut.
Nissan’s name has been tossed around quite a bit lately, and indeed Bloomberg suggests it’s an option as well. However, the authors caution that this could be a “long shot”.
Nissan already has a common EV platform developed with French partner Renault SA, which will be used for its Ariya compact SUV debuting later this year. When asked whether the Japanese company would be willing to build cars for Apple, CEO Makoto Uchida said during an earnings news conference that Nissan “has the DNA to do things others won’t do.
European automaker Stellantis is another option. That auto manufacturer’s CEO has even gone on record as saying the company would be willing to work with Apple (or any other company for that matter), just as long as it didn’t jeopardize Stellantis:
Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares said during a Jan. 19 press conference that Stellantis is open to working with Apple or any tech company on EVs, ‘as long as it doesn’t create any technology dependence’ that would jeopardize the automaker’s future.
Interestingly, this repot doesn’t completely rule out Hyundai after all:
The big disadvantage Hyundai and Kia have is the recent back-and-forth on whether they are developing a car for Apple, a notoriously secretive company. Although the two automakers have said talks aren’t happening, it’s possible discussions could restart if Apple deems them the best possible partners.
What may actually happen, as noted in the original report, is that Apple may tap a variety of different companies to handle assembly, just as it does for its other products. It’s not likely that Apple will go with just one company — even though that is a possibility, too.
The full report is an interesting read. Which auto manufacturer do you think Apple is going to end up going with?