Flying Cars? Not Yet. Flying Taxis? Toyota Thinks So

Toyota and Joby Aviation are partnering to accelerate production of an electric air-taxi platform, aiming to move from concept to commercial eVTOL aircraft. The companies formalized a joint venture built on their decade-long relationship, combining Joby’s expertise in electric vertical takeoff and landing systems with Toyota’s manufacturing and production know-how. Initially, the alliance focuses on improving manufacturing processes and establishing the foundation for commercial-scale output of Joby’s aircraft. Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt said Toyota has supported the company for nearly a decade by guiding and backing its manufacturing base, while Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda described air mobility as an extension of the automaker’s broader mobility mission. Joby is preparing for a race toward passenger trips on short urban and regional routes later this decade, with piloted electric aircraft capable of helicopter-like takeoffs and landings.