by Toyota and Joby Aviation Joint Venture
Toyota and Joby Aviation have announced the creation of a joint venture that will focus on manufacturing electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. This step is a logical continuation of their collaboration, as Toyota has already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Joby Aviation since 2020.
The new venture is named Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company. It will be based in California, with Toyota holding a controlling stake of 51%. The main goal is to combine Joby’s innovative developments in electric aviation with Toyota’s manufacturing expertise.
Deal Details and Plans
Although the companies have not disclosed all the details, it is known that the joint venture will initially focus on preparing for serial production. Special attention will be paid to improving productivity, quality, and reducing costs. This will allow Joby to increase production capacity and better meet the expected demand for their aircraft.
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda stated: “Since our founding, we have been guided by the philosophy of providing mobility for all. We see air mobility as a natural extension of this philosophy — from the ground to the sky — and as a way to bring new value to people’s lives and society. It is very important for us to take on this challenge together with Joby, a partner that shares the same vision. We believe that strengthening these relationships is a significant step forward in realizing a future mobility society.”
Aircraft Specifications
Recall that Joby is developing an air taxi designed to become part of a seamless transportation system combining ground and air travel. The company is already collaborating with Delta and Uber to create such an experience.
The six-rotor aircraft can carry four passengers and a pilot, reaching speeds of up to 322 km/h. It is equipped with four batteries, rotating propellers, and numerous redundancy systems to enhance safety.
This partnership demonstrates Toyota’s serious intentions to enter the aviation mobility market, leveraging its mass production experience to accelerate the commercialization of electric air taxis. The joint venture could be a key milestone in transitioning from prototypes to serial production, making air transport more accessible to the general public. Considering the investments and strategic vision of both companies, this project has the potential to significantly impact the future of urban mobility, offering an alternative to traditional ground transportation in large cities.
