Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) and Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a pioneer in electric air taxi development, recently completed Joby’s first international exhibition flight at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan. With the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji, the flight highlighted the low noise impact of Joby’s emissions-free aircraft and marked a significant milestone in their seven-year collaboration to bring clean air mobility closer to reality.
This partnership between Toyota and Joby began nearly a decade ago, as Toyota provided its automotive manufacturing expertise and technology to support Joby’s development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The companies solidified their relationship in 2023 with a long-term agreement, wherein Toyota agreed to supply critical powertrain and actuation components for Joby’s aircraft production. Toyota engineers also work alongside Joby’s California-based team, further blending automotive and aviation expertise to accelerate the future of air mobility.
The recent flight in Japan exemplifies both companies’ shared vision of sustainable, everyday air travel. “Our first international flight is a major step toward realizing everyday clean air travel,” stated Joby Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt. “We are proud to share Toyota’s vision for the future of mobility and grateful for the chance to showcase this vision with our flight in Japan.”
This demonstration underscores the potential of eVTOL aircraft for reducing congestion and emissions in urban settings, aligning with Toyota and Joby’s commitment to sustainable transportation. As Toyota and Joby continue working together, this milestone marks a critical advancement in making eco-friendly air taxis a reality.