Japanese automaker Suzuki announced today that it will cooperate with Japanese flying car developer SkyDrive to produce flying cars in Japan. The two companies aim to start production around the spring of 2024. Carried out at the Suzuki Group’s existing factory in Shizuoka Prefecture.
▲ Picture source SkyDrive
Founded in 2018, SkyDrive grew out of CARTIVATOR, a volunteer group of aircraft and drone engineers. The company has previously accepted investment from companies such as NEC, Suzuki, and Kansai Electric Power. The short-term goal is to provide “air taxi” services at the Osaka World Expo in 2025. SkyDrive is currently conducting joint research with JAXA, Japan’s national aerospace agency.
It was previously reported that SkyDrive launched the SD-05, a flying car for personal sales, in April this year, priced at $1.5 million. The SD-05 is equipped with motors and propellers, can take off and land vertically, has a cruising range of 10 kilometers, and a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour. The aircraft can accommodate two people at the same time and is expected to be delivered to individual buyers after 2025.
In addition, Suzuki and SkyDrive reached an agreement in March to cooperate in the research, development and marketing of electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL).
