Major Japanese automaker makes deal that brings flying cars one step closer to reality

By Dean Murray via SWNS

Flying cars are another step to everyday reality.

Motoring giant Suzuki has signed a partnership to commercialize personal vehicles – with models to take flight in 2025.

The announcement, on Friday (March 25), sees the firm join forces with SkyDrive, a leading manufacturer of flying cars in Japan.

They are currently engaged in the development of a compact, two-seater electric-powered flying car with plans for full-scale production.

Skydrive demonstrated their one-seater SD-03 model in 2020, successfully conducting a public manned flight test.

The SD-05 variant will be two-seater and has already had certification applied for to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

SkyDrive aims to begin air taxi service during the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, as well as to initiate service in other regions of Japan.

A company spokesperson said: “The appearance and specifications of the SD-05 are undisclosed at this time. We aim it for commercialization at EXPO 2025.”

Under the terms of the agreement, SkyDrive and Suzuki will start consideration to collaborate in areas of business and technology that include technology R&D, planning of manufacturing and mass-production systems, development of overseas markets with an initial focus on India, and promotion of efforts to attain carbon neutrality.

Suzuki, which has the company motto "Develop products of superior value by focusing on the customer," currently offers products in three mobility categories - automobiles, motorcycles, and outboard motors.

The company aims to remain indispensable to people by staying closely attuned to their lives and providing mobility. The partnership with SkyDrive will provide Suzuki with opportunities to explore and potentially add flying cars as a fourth mobility business.

Suzuki is one of Japan's leading automakers with expertise that includes manufacturing and selling compact cars in international markets.