Japanese automotive and motorcycle giant Suzuki says it is joining forces with aerial vehicle company SkyDrive in the latter’s efforts to produce an electric takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying car for urban air mobility uses like air taxis.
The two firms announced their tie-up in a laconic communiqué Tuesday, revealing little detail beyond their objective to develop SkyDrive’s eVTOL flying car concept toward scaled production and marketing. As one of Japan’s top automotive companies, Suzuki’s manufacturing and marketing heft would logically offer its new startup partner serious muscle once the project – now in prototype stage – clears certification and enters the commercial manufacturing phase.
SkyDrive has previously said it is aiming to navigate that process in time to introduce its eVTOL flying car into air taxi service during Osaka’s 2025 World Exposition. It would expand those operations throughout the country after that.
SkyDrive…
