Automotive manufacturer Toyota has announced that they will be investing ¥43 billion ($390 million) in the US startup known as Joby Aviation, who has developed a “flying taxi” capable of taking off vertically and without the need of a runway.
Flying vehicles are apparently being seen as an attractive form of travel due to the potential of avoiding traffic congestion – Toyota will be providing Joby Aviation with their production technology and know-how on electrification, they will also help with mass producing the aircraft.
Founded in 2009, Joby Aviation has developed an aircraft known as the “VTOL”, which is capable of launching and landing in a vertical manner, making runways unnecessary – they seek to provide the people with a flying taxi service.
Toyota had previously invested in Joby Aviation in 2018 via venture capital and affiliated companies, but they’ve now decided to invest directly for this collaboration.
Sometime in the future, Toyota has agreed to provide Joby with aid when it comes to technological developments for design, materials, and electrification – they will also instruct them regarding their Toyota Production System (TPS).
So a helicopter?
FlYiNg VeHiClES
dAs rItE!!
The problem with flying taxis is that they’ll never be affordable enough to replace the regular ones. At least not for a long time. They’ll just be a luxury for the wealthy and not something regular people could use on a whim.
You can buy an autogyro right now for the cost of a middle-premium class car. Yes, it requires an airstrip, but it’s small, safe and fuel-efficient enough to use as a personal transport (between the airstrips).
Considering how many car accidents we get on a daily basis I’m OK with it not replacing cars any time soon.
Ideally, the different travel methods will help dealing with roadway congestion. Doubt it will help fuel prices though.
I’m sure this is the initial thought of the majority of people when cars appeared on city streets in regards to horses and carriages
With the price of taxis now a day it just might be the better option
No, I think they indeed will be something a regular person could use on a whim, like once just to get the experience. Not really for regular use, of course. I believe the goal is to make these things fly without a human pilot aboard, so they won’t be quite as expensive to operate as one might think. Since they will be electric, the fuel cost won’t contribute much to the price of a trip.
I can already see a lot of Indians training right now in order to pilot them.
so people are going to be flying their JAV’s (Joby AViation). fair enough.
also,
tesla: the future is electric
toyota: …helicopters!
Toyota: We r making Air Taxi…
China: Too late Jap, we have already stolen everything from everyone & “build” the best & cheapest Air Taxi in the world.