If Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) does decide to get in the car business, it appears Hyundai Motor (OTC: HYMTF) might be its partner of choice. Shares of Hyundai surged 20% on Friday after Korean media reports that the automaker was in talks with Apple about co-developing a self-driving car. Apple's interest in the auto space has long been discussed. It was rekindled late last year following media reports that the tech giant has a small team of hardware engineers working on drive systems, vehicle interiors, and external vehicle body designs. Image source: Getty Images. If Apple was to get into cars, it seems likely it would partner with another manufacturer, as it does for its phones, tablets, and other electronics gear. Hyundai distanced itself from the talk later in the day Korean time, saying only that it has received requests for potential cooperation from a number of companies. A partnership with Apple would give Hyundai a significant boost to its branding, as well as potentially allow the company to team up and share some of the burden of developing autonomous and power train technologies. Apple is notoriously secretive and in the past has discouraged business partners from discussing collaborations. Bloomberg reported Thursday that the so-called "iCar" development is still in its early stages, and any product launch is at least a half decade away . Assuming this is the case, Apple is likely in no rush to select a manufacturing partner. It has long been assumed that if Apple does decide to develop a vehicle, it would work with third parties instead of developing the manufacturing capability in-house. In addition to Hyundai, Canadian auto parts manufacturer Magna International has also been mentioned as a potential partner. 10 stocks we like better than HYUNDAI MOTOR REG SWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and HYUNDAI MOTOR REG S wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of November 20, 2020 Lou Whiteman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Magna Int'l. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source