“We are not in talks with Apple. However, Nissan is always open to exploring collaborations and partnerships to accelerate industry transformation,” the Japanese firm said.
A source close to Nissan told AFP that the company “doesn’t need Apple to sell” its cars.
“When you make a product under the Apple brand, you give your soul — and your profit margins — to Apple,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
“We are not interested in giving Apple the best that we offer. This should be under the Nissan brand.”
The denial followed a similar statement from South Korea’s Hyundai and its affiliate Kia last week after reports said Apple had wanted to discuss a potential partnership to develop electric vehicles and batteries.
Apple first revealed its self-driving tech aspirations in 2016 and Chief Executive Tim Cook later said he saw autonomous driving systems as a “core technology” for the future.
Nissan has been a pioneer in electric vehicles since its Leaf model was released over a decade ago.
But the struggling firm — still trying to recover from the devastating reputational damage caused by the sudden departure of now fugitive tycoon Carlos Ghosn — desperately needs a new hit.
In July, Nissan unveiled the Ariya, a new 100 percent electric crossover model that it said would open a “new era” in the firm’s fortunes.
Monday’s statement caused its shares to fall 2.8 percent to 610 yen.
AFP
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