A Toyota-branded Joby air taxi completes an exhibition flight in front of Japan’s Mount Fuji in November. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
Toyota has significantly deepened its commitment to Joby Aviation with a recent $250 million investment, part of a larger $500 million commitment, bringing its total investment to nearly $1 billion for eVTOL certification and 2025 commercial production.
The partnership designates Toyota as Joby's "preferred manufacturing partner," granting it privileges to assist with design, streamline production, and potentially engage in low-volume commercial manufacturing and maintenance of Joby's air taxis.
Toyota's expanded role could include becoming a customer, with purchase rights to assemble and operate its own fleet of Joby air taxis, particularly in Japan, further solidifying its strategic involvement beyond just financial backing.
Toyota Motor Corp. is doubling down on its commitment to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis.
Per an SEC filing, the automaker last week finalized a $250 million investment in air taxi developer Joby Aviation—the first of two equal tranches totaling $500 million, announced in October.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
