Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation have a special moment in their ongoing partnership by debuting Joby’s electric air taxi in Japan. This first international exhibition flight showcases an emissions-free, low-noise aircraft at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan.
The international demonstration flight, set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Fuji represented nearly seven years of joint efforts between Toyota and Joby Aviation to bring electric air taxis closer to commercial viability. Toyota has supported Joby’s vision for advanced air mobility with critical expertise in automotive manufacturing and technology, contributing to the production of high-quality, reliable air taxis.
Since 2023, Toyota has taken an even deeper role in Joby’s development process. A long-term agreement has positioned Toyota as a key supplier of essential powertrain and actuation components for Joby’s aircraft, and Toyota engineers have been working side-by-side with Joby’s team in California. This collaboration not only strengthens Joby’s production pipeline but also ensures that Toyota’s engineering prowess and quality standards are integrated into every component of the air taxis.
The air taxi model showcased in Japan is designed as a five-seater capable of reaching speeds up to 200 mph, aiming to revolutionize urban and regional transportation by alleviating road congestion, reducing environmental impact, and offering a quieter alternative to traditional helicopters. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, remarked on the significance of the flight, stating, “Our first overseas flight marks a significant milestone on our journey towards making clean air travel an everyday reality,” and expressed his admiration for Toyota’s shared vision of future mobility.
At the event, a wide range of stakeholders, including Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda and representatives from Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau, gathered to witness the flight. Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, underscored the transformative impact of air mobility. He stated, “Air mobility has the potential to change our ‘sense of distance and time’ and open a future with the new option of air mobility that will further enrich the lives of many people.” Nakajima emphasized Toyota’s dedication to deepening its collaboration with Joby, voicing optimism for the future of air mobility.
The electric air taxi stands out for its zero operating emissions and low noise profile, making it well-suited for both urban and rural environments. Joby’s vision addresses global transportation challenges by providing a sustainable, fast, and efficient way to travel while reducing congestion and environmental impact.
In support of this ambitious vision, Toyota recently committed an additional $500 million investment in Joby, bringing its total investment to $894 million. This funding will back critical steps in certifying and commercializing Joby’s air taxis and support a manufacturing alliance to facilitate commercial production.
