Flying Cars to Be Produced at Suzuki Factory; Subsidiary Formed

A Japanese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle maker announced that its flying cars will be manufactured at a Suzuki plant starting in the Spring of 2024 through a newly formed subsidiary.

Up to 100 of the SkyDrive flying vehicles could be created annually at the new subsidiary Sky Works Inc. at the Suzuki-owned plant in Iwata-city, Shizuoka.

SkyDrive and Suzuki formed a strategic partnership last year to collaborate on business and technology research and development, manufacturing and mass production systems and the development of international markets including India.

SkyDrive’s stated vision is “to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world.”

SkyDrive also has agreed to sell up to 50 electric aerial vehicles (EAV) to an aircraft leasing company Solyu in Korea, which is in the business of aircraft leasing and financing and aims to use EAVs to aid the severe traffic congestion there.

Established in 2018, SkyDrive conducted its first crewed flight test in Japan in 2019.

SkyDrive has applied for certification from Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Law, which has to approve the design, structure, strength and performance of any newly developed aircraft.

The certification applies to SkyDrive’s SD-05, a flying car SkyDrive plans to launch in an air taxi service in 2025, according to the company.

Related:Flying Car Maker Gets Order for 50 eVTOL Aircraft

SkyDrive earlier teamed with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to improve noise reduction on eVTOL vehicles. 

While electric engines enable lower noise operations, SkyDrive aims to create EAVs that take off and land in neighborhoods and are used as a daily form of transportation.

The aerial agency already has noise source identification technology, which the joint venture plans to use as a starting point. In the study, the responsibilities are divided.

Like what you've read? For more stories like this on flying cars and emerging technologies, sign up for our free daily email newsletter to stay updated!