Nissan refutes reports it is in talks to manufacture Apple Car

Nissan Motor Co Ltd refuted reports that it is in talks with Apple Inc. about a tie-up for its autonomous car project.

According to reports, the iPhone maker has been negotiating with Nissan in recent months.

However, their brief discussions reportedly faltered over Nissan’s reluctance to become an Apple car assembler and that the talks had not advanced to senior management level.

While noting that it is not in talks with Apple, a Nissan spokeswoman emphasized that the Japanese carmaker explores collaborations and partnerships to accelerate industry transformation.”

Early-stage talks between Apple and Hyundai Motor Group over autonomous electric cars also recently collapsed on concerns within the South Korean automaker about becoming a mere contract manufacturer.

The auto industry does not have a major contract manufacturer.

Apple is aiming to produce a passenger vehicle that could utilize its breakthrough battery technology by 2024.