On November 1, the eVTOL—in other words, a flying car—developed by Toyota’s collaborative partner, American company Joby Aviation, took its first test flight over Japan.
*eVTOL stands for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing. With elements of a helicopter, drone, and small airplane, it is expected to operate as a flying taxi for commuting, business trips, leisure travel, and more. They are exceptionally quiet, safe, and environmentally friendly (zero emissions).
Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt and Chairman Akio Toyoda met in 2019 as two people sharing dreams of making the world better through air mobility, and their collaborative relationship has continued to deepen to the present day.
This flight was the first outside of the United States. At the press conference the following day, the two leaders confirmed to one another that “Today is the real start” and vowed to strengthen their collaboration further.
In this news episode, we look at the bond between the two company leaders, step inside the flying car, and explore the plant in the United States, where cameras aren’t usually permitted.
See how Toyota’s technology and TPS (Toyota Production System) are being used in the manufacturing process.
Toyota’s skyward ambitions have continued for nearly 100 years. Toyota Group founder Sakichi Toyoda announced a prize worth over 10 billion yen in today’s money to promote the development of a storage battery that could be used to fly across the Pacific Ocean.
Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda also invested in aircraft research alongside the mass production of automobiles. Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda collaborated with an American company to develop the world’s first electronically controlled aero piston engine.
Dreams of air mobility have been passed down steadily through Toyota’s history.
The goal is not simply to achieve a world first for flying but to achieve a future where ordinary people can use this technology and deliver Mobility for All. Chairman Toyoda spoke as the current holder of a dream that has lasted for four generations, reconfirming his determination to build the future with CEO Bevirt as someone who shares his aspirations.
The Joby eVTOL is making steady progress toward commercialization and is slated to begin operating as a flying taxi in Dubai by 2026. Watch this week’s video to see the progress.
Finally, at the end of the video, Chairman Toyoda takes JoeBen for a spin and makes some celebratory donuts to mark the first flight! Don’t miss it!
