One of the more interesting auto industry news in recent days was Hyundai's decision to not enter into an agreement with Apple that would have seen the iPad maker's electric vehicle finally happen. The tech giant supposedly has just about everything it needs to build an EV, such as a platform, software, and other necessary hardware, with the exception of one significant thing: manufacturing.

Building vehicles is very different and far more complex than making smartphones and tablets. That's where Hyundai came in and, for its own internal reasons, opted to pass on the deal. Nissan was one potential replacement (the Japanese carmaker has now said its out) but Apple is still keeping quiet. Could Volkswagen be on that list, too? Apparently not.

According to Reuters, VW Group CEO Herbert Diess is not only unconcerned about Apple's potential market entry, but he also doubts its 2024 target.

"The car industry is not a typical tech-sector that you could take over at a single stroke," Diess said. "Apple will not manage that overnight." Still, Diess understands why Apple wants to have its own vehicles due to its vast expertise in software, design, and batteries. It also has plenty of cash on hand. "Still, we are not afraid," he added.

For its part, the German automaker is currently launching the all-new VW ID.4 crossover in the US and other overseas markets. Many of those countries also have the ID.3 hatchback at their disposal. In the coming few years, the production version of the ID. Buzz retro van will see the light of day, as well as the ID.5 sedan.

VW Group's premium divisions, such as Audi and Porsche, have their own EVs currently on sale, including the Taycan and just-revealed e-tron GT. Even if Apple were interested in partnering up with VW, the automaker wouldn't stand to gain much from the deal. It has its own dedicated EV platforms and even if Apple was willing to share some of its software know-how, VW Group has its own top-secret counter punch project in the works: Project Artemis.

Not only will the first production vehicle from this advanced tech operation be ready to go for 2024, but Project Artemis aims to redefine EVs with advanced battery and software that surpasses everything from Tesla.