Toyota is taking a major step beyond the automotive industry by expanding into aviation through a new strategic partnership focused on electric air taxis.
The Japanese manufacturer has announced the creation of a joint venture with California-based Joby Aviation, a company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The partnership aims to accelerate commercial production and prepare the next generation of urban air mobility solutions. 0
Under the agreement, Toyota will hold a 51% stake in the new venture, while Joby Aviation will own the remaining 49%. The collaboration combines Joby’s expertise in electric aircraft technology with Toyota’s globally recognised manufacturing systems and production efficiency. 1
The companies say their initial focus will be improving production processes, increasing quality and reducing manufacturing costs before scaling up commercial aircraft production. The long-term objective is to make electric air taxis a practical transportation option in cities around the world. 2
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda described air mobility as the next natural step in the company’s mission of providing mobility for everyone, extending transportation “from the ground into the sky.” Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt said Toyota has been an important partner for nearly a decade, contributing both financial support and manufacturing expertise. 3
Electric air taxis are expected to offer short-distance urban travel with lower noise levels and zero direct emissions during flight. Several companies are currently racing to receive regulatory approval before launching commercial services later this decade. 4
The announcement represents another significant step toward the future of advanced air mobility and highlights Toyota’s ambition to become a broader mobility company rather than remaining solely a car manufacturer.
