Hyundai walks back news of Apple partnership, report says

Hyundai Motor Group confirmed on Friday that it was in talks with Apple for a potential collaboration to develop the so-called Apple Car. Hyundai later backed away from the statement somewhat, saying in a regulatory filing issued later that it was "getting requests for cooperation on joint development of autonomous electric vehicles from various companies," without identifying any of them.

By naming Apple initially, Hyundai risks the ire of the technology giant known for its secretiveness when it comes to new products and partnerships. With development work still at an early stage, Apple will take at least half a decade to launch an autonomous electric vehicle, people with knowledge of the efforts have told Bloomberg News. That suggests the company is in no hurry to decide on potential auto-industry partners.

Speculation about an Apple car has been rife for several years but nothing concrete has materialized. Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters last month reported that Apple was moving forward with its self-driving car technology. The report said the iPhone-maker was targeting to produce a passenger vehicle by 2024 that could include its own breakthrough battery technology.

Apple declined to comment.

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