Hyundai Motor and its Kia unit announced Monday (Feb. 8) morning South Korea time that they are not in discussions with Apple about teaming up on an autonomous car.
In a statement to the South Korean securities regulator, the automakers denied being in talks with Apple:
“We are receiving requests for cooperation in joint development of self-driving electric vehicles from a number of companies. It has not been decided at [this] early stage,” the statement said. “We are not conducting consultations with Apple on the development of autonomous vehicles.”
South Korea requires that publicly traded companies provide public updates when they have been the subject of significant rumors that have the power to move share prices.
Bloomberg reported that talks had been underway, but recently paused by Apple. The Monday-morning statements confirm Bloomberg’s report and offer further information about the suspended discussions.
Speculation around the South Korean companies swirled in early January when Kia seemed to indicate it was going to develop batteries with Apple.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
