Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation have successfully completed Joby’s inaugural international exhibition flight at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan.
The flight, conducted near the iconic Mount Fuji, showcased the low acoustic footprint of Joby’s emissions-free aircraft.
Milestone Flight Highlights Collaborative Efforts
This flight signifies nearly seven years of collaboration between Toyota and Joby, during which Toyota has contributed its extensive automotive manufacturing and technology expertise. Toyota engineers are now actively working alongside Joby’s team in California. In 2023, the two companies formalized their partnership through a long-term agreement for Toyota to supply critical powertrain and actuation components for Joby’s aircraft.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, remarked, “Our first overseas flight marks a significant milestone on our journey towards making clean air travel an everyday reality. We share Toyota’s vision for the future of mobility and are honored to have had the opportunity to present a glimpse of that future through our flight in Japan.”
Celebrating Innovation in Air Mobility
A diverse group of stakeholders, including Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda and representatives from Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau, attended the event to celebrate this historic milestone. Hiroki Nakajima, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Toyota, stated, “Air mobility has the potential to change our ‘sense of distance and time,’ opening a future with new options that will enrich the lives of many people.”
He emphasized, “Toyota is committed to deepening our collaboration with Joby and we will continue to work together to realize our shared dreams.”
Advancements in Electric Air Taxi Technology
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, with zero operating emissions and significantly reduced noise compared to helicopters. This innovative mobility service aims to alleviate traffic congestion, lessen environmental impact, and provide transportation solutions for both urban and rural areas.
Significant Investment to Fuel Future Growth
In a strategic move, Toyota recently announced an additional $500 million investment in Joby to support the certification and commercial production of its electric air taxi. This latest investment raises Toyota’s total commitment to Joby to $894 million and includes plans for a manufacturing alliance to facilitate the first phase of commercialization.
The investment will occur in two equal tranches and is contingent upon standard regulatory approvals, the finalization of collaborative agreements, and specific terms related to the strategic alliance for commercial manufacturing.