Tech-savvy people would be aware
of a certain history regarding tech giant Apple being sore with an electronic
company in South Korea. Apple has been going after Samsung for the better part
of a decade regarding designs used on smartphones, which the former has
patented and alleged that the latter has copied. Litigation on the matter is
ongoing to this day. But other Korean firms seem to have better relationships
with Apple. For instances, earlier this year there has been talk that a Korean
automaker and its subsidiary brand were collaborating with Apple on an
electronic car with autonomous control.
Unfortunately according to The Verge, this rumor is not being substantiated
in any way by Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia. While the two have somewhat confirmed
that they have discussed prospects for an e-car they would design that will
have autonomous systems courtesy of Apple, somehow that particular project has
not materialized. The fact that Apple is involved is what got the speculation
plenty of attention, with many observers opining that if the concept was
realized, it will be similar to the previous killer-app breakthroughs of the
company under the late great Steve Jobs, from the iPod to the iPhone.
If this Apple-Hyundai-Kia
partnership for an autonomous e-car was indeed serious, then trouble began last
January when Hyundai issued a public statement downplaying the rumors when they
were first manifesting. This may have been a red flag for Apple, which tends to
insist on complete developmental secrecy until something material can be
introduced. There is also the matter as to whether the hypothetical e-car will
be branded Hyundai or Kia. The latter was an independent automaker until
Hyundai got a controlling stake in it. Meanwhile, Apple is believed to have
broached the subject with other automakers, meaning if talks between them and
Hyundai-Kia fall through, they would be easily replaced.
Business-wise the results of the
uncertain tone from Hyundai on whether or not they and Kia were partnering with
apple to make an autonomous e-car had significant consequences on the stock
market. Hyundai shares dropped in value by 8.4% while Kia shares went down by
13.3%. Ming-chi Kuo, famous analyst of all things Apple, believes that even if
the deal is salvaged and the project resume, any resulting e-vehicle will not
go public until 2025. For now, all there is to the matter are talks.
Image courtesy of Nikkei Asia
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