Asian Tech Press (Sep 10) -- Apple Inc has reportedly sent requests for quotes to auto parts makers to speed up its plans to produce electric cars on its own.

The U.S. electronics giant will accelerate its car project Project Titan to produce electric cars on its own and has sent requests for offers to auto parts manufacturers around the world, South Korea's Maeil Business Newspaper said Thursday, citing sources that may suggest Apple will soon select auto parts partners for its electric cars.

After talks with automakers failed to make significant progress, Apple will also restart its automotive R&D lab and kick off work on the "Apple Car".

The relaunch of the lab could mean that Apple's car strategy has shifted to developing a full car independiently, rather than just focusing on the software level, the sources said.

In June, Apple hired Ulrich Kranz, a former senior executive at BMW AG's electric car division, to open a new chapter in its Project Titan, one of Apple's most secretive projects.

Insiders believe that Apple could develop its own electric car, but it could also look for a foundry like it did for the iPhone. Earlier this month, it was reported that Apple visited LG Electronics and SK Innovation and will secretly develop electric cars with South Korea's SK Innovation.

Apple launched its Project Titan in 2014 and has been seeking partners for its smart car since 2016. But previous revelations have proven that Apple is only testing self-driving features and doesn't seem to be in any rush to build a car.