Latest news with #flyingcars
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
China's Changan restructured as independent state-owned automaker, CCTV reports
BEIJING (Reuters) -Changan Automobile has begun operating as an independent automaker controlled by China's central government, state television CCTV reported on Tuesday. The spin-off from state-owned China South Industries Group Corp was established in Chongqing on Tuesday. With 117 subsidiaries, the restructured new automaker will focus on smart vehicles, robots, flying cars and embodied intelligence, among other fields. It also has plans to step up expansions into markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and Europe, the report said. Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
a day ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
China's Changan restructured as independent state-owned automaker, CCTV reports
BEIJING, July 29 (Reuters) - Changan Automobile has begun operating as an independent automaker controlled by China's central government, state television CCTV reported on Tuesday. The spin-off from state-owned China South Industries Group Corp was established in Chongqing on Tuesday. With 117 subsidiaries, the restructured new automaker will focus on smart vehicles, robots, flying cars and embodied intelligence, among other fields. It also has plans to step up expansions into markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and Europe, the report said.
Gizmodo
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Gizmodo
Joby Aviation Has a Bold Plan to Make Flying Cars Real—Fast
Flying cars were supposed to be a fantasy. A punchline. A cartoonish promise from a Jetsons-era past. But Joby Aviation is no longer promising anything. It's building them. The Santa Cruz, California-based company just unveiled the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Marina, CA, where it now has the capacity to build up to 24 electric air taxis per year. That's two flying cars a month. With additional capacity ramping up in Dayton, Ohio, and test flights already underway in Dubai, the future of urban air mobility is no longer stuck in the concept phase. The production milestone comes as Joby's aircraft completed piloted test flights in Dubai, marking the start of its commercial market readiness program in the UAE. In partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, the company is preparing for passenger operations as early as 2026, a timeline that looks far more realistic than it did even 12 months ago. 'Reimagining urban mobility takes speed, scale, and precision manufacturing,' said Eric Allison, Joby's Chief Product Officer. 'Our expanded footprint, in both California and Ohio, is preparing us to do just that.' But as the aircraft roll off the line and take to the skies, a harder question looms: Is the world actually ready for mass-scale flying machines? Unlike many of its eVTOL competitors still hawking mockups and vaporware, Joby is building real, FAA-cleared aircraft with vertical takeoff capabilities, 200 mph top speeds, and near-silent operation. Each aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers and is intended for short, high-value routes, like from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in 12 minutes (a trip that usually takes 45 minutes by car). At the Marina facility, which now spans over 435,000 square feet, Joby is producing aircraft components using 3D printing, data-driven quality control, and a team trained in part by Toyota engineers, thanks to a deep partnership between the two companies. The factory will also house simulators for pilot training, ground testing areas, and FAA-certification labs. Over in Dayton, Ohio, birthplace of aviation and now home to Joby's next-generation production line, the company is preparing to eventually build 500 aircraft per year. It's one of the most ambitious reindustrialization efforts by a Silicon Valley startup in recent memory, supported by state grants and a growing Midwestern advanced manufacturing workforce. While the manufacturing may be American, the first passengers won't be. Joby's launch customer is Dubai, which granted the company exclusive air taxi rights for six years. In return, Joby is working with local aviation authorities to stand up a full commercial air taxi network, starting with a vertiport under construction at Dubai International Airport. Dubai's buy-in is key. The city has invested heavily in smart mobility, from driverless trains to robotaxis, and now hopes to integrate eVTOL aircraft into its broader transport grid. According to Dubai officials, the air taxis will be a premium service, targeted at those who want fast, seamless mobility between key parts of the city. 'The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city,' said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. 'The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options.' The word premium is doing a lot of work here. While Joby's aircraft may be clean, quiet, and fast, they are not cheap. At least not yet. With limited seating, piloted flights, and significant regulatory costs, it's likely that early riders will be CEOs, tourists, and the ultra-wealthy, not your average daily commuter. That raises questions about access, equity, and infrastructure. Will flying cars become another luxury product for elites, while cities continue to neglect ground transportation for everyone else? Or could a mature eVTOL market actually relieve urban congestion and create scalable new forms of public transit? So far, the answers aren't clear. Joby's aircraft are real. Its timelines are aggressive. But adoption will depend on everything from pricing models and safety standards to public perception and noise tolerance. With factories humming and flights underway, Joby Aviation may be the first company to industrialize the flying car, not as a sci-fi dream, but as a shippable product. Two aircraft a month. Six this year. Hundreds soon. It's the kind of milestone that usually marks the start of something big. But like any disruptive technology, what happens next will depend on more than just engineering. We've figured out how to build flying cars. Now we have to decide what kind of world we want to fly them in.
Khaleej Times
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Travel for the rich and famous: it's all about private flying cars and submarines
While we wait for flying taxis to hit our skies, some are taking matters into their own hands and buying their own flying cars. No longer the stuff of sci-fi movies, they're real vehicles that transition between driving and flying. Google co-founder Larry Page has funded multiple flying car startups while LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman is a significant investor in Joby Aviation, a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi company. Among the more well-known companies building flying cars are PAL-V, AeroMobil, and Klein Vision's AirCar, which recently completed a successful intercity flight. According to Morgan Stanley, the flying car market is projected to reach $9 trillion (Dh33 trillion) by 2050. Many manufacturers are developing flying cars for national governments and cities, while others have one eye on wealthy individuals looking to beat traffic jams, and arrive in style. One such firm is Alef Aeronautics, which will let you pre-order its flying car for $150 (Dh550), while $1,500 (Dh5,509) will get you in the priority queue for the $300,000 (Dh1.1 million) car. An Alef spokesman told KT LUXE that it currently has 3,400 entries for its Model A. 'Alef is currently producing flying cars for exhibition and research and development purposes only, but is planning first customer deliveries soon. We're currently focused on safety and optimal functionality.' It says its typical customers tend to live in rural areas, and their primary motivation is to significantly reduce daily commute time. The UAE is on track to launch commercial air taxi services within the next year. In July, Joby conducted the first fully-piloted test flights in Dubai, including vertical takeoff, cruise, and landing, while Abu Dhabi Aviation and Archer have completed initial vertical flight tests at Al Bateen Airport. While regulations are being put in place for commercial services, laws for private use may not be far behind. Land and air Alef says its flying car is designed to comply with all existing laws and regulations without requiring changes — automotive regulations on the ground and aviation regulations for its specific class of aircraft in the air. 'In the future, as scale increases, we expect regulations to be created specifically for this new class of transportation. Owning the first flying car in history is the greatest luxury at this point,' the spokesman added. On the ground, flying cars operate like a normal car or electric vehicle (EV). In the air, the 'driver' would require the same training as an operator of any other ultralight aircraft would. As for the vehicle's operating costs, they are similar to those of owning an EV. Dutch aviation company Pal-V's flagship model is the Liberty, which, it says, is a 'user-friendly, personal aircraft for daily medium- and long-distance commutes'. Users can drive to one of the world's 40,000+ airstrips, convert the vehicle in a matter of minutes, and fly to wherever they want to go. PAL-V has two different versions — the Liberty Sport (from $400,000/Dh1.4 million) and the limited-edition Pioneer, expected to cost around $600,000 (Dh2.2million). It promotes its flying car as a practical solution to beating traffic jams for short trips and breaks. 'Going for a business trip, a romantic dinner, or a weekend getaway? With the PAL-V Liberty, you decide when and where to go,' its website states. Among the airstrips it lists are a number in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali, Dubai and Al Ain. Both a driver's license and an autogyro pilot's license are required to operate the vehicle. 'We will guide you to become a proficient, confident aviator. Our instructors are the best in the business and are there to make the learning experience fun and unforgettable,' it says. 'We will ensure you are a safe pilot who is able to fly the PAL-V all over the world to any place you desire, making it your reliable tool for every adventure.' Submarines The market for private submarines is still relatively niche, with a handful of elite builders leading the way. Notable names include Triton Submersibles and Perry Submarines, and often include options for entertainment systems, climate control, and underwater lighting, transforming a dive into an experience. 'All our clients have already been diving or snorkeling in the best spots around the world,' says Charles Kohnen, co-founder and chairman at SEAmagine, a manufacturer of small private submarines. 'They're looking for something beyond that with access to places very few have seen, but to do it in a way that's safe, comfortable, and completely different from anything they've done before.' Owners normally fall into two categories: either they are keenly interested in shipwrecks or they are all about seeing sea life at different depths. Plus, they tend to already own a yacht to keep the submarine on. 'When we find shipwrecks, those owners sometimes complain that there are too many fish in the way to see the shipwreck while the other group thinks that shipwrecks are a form of litter.' One unusual request was a 'his and hers' configuration with two oversized lounge seats for a more private experience. The two different interiors could be interchanged by the crew depending on who was going for the dive. Private submersibles are now focusing on comfort, space, and serenity, while offering an incredible panoramic view of the underwater world. 'We put a lot of emphasis on personal space. Our design features a large transparent viewing sphere where guests sit, while the pilot is seated in the rear centre section. That layout gives everyone more room to relax and enjoy the experience.' Some even have a Bose sound system inside, so guests can enjoy music during the dive. 'We've also rethought the boarding process. Unlike the typical awkward climb into a sub, ours has a beautiful teak top deck with handrails and a proper staircase that leads guests down into their seats — no gymnastics required. It's all about creating a serene, elegant journey from start to finish,' adds Kohnen. For SEAmagine, its instructors go on-site to train the pilot and support crew that will operate the sub. The training will typically take three-four weeks and involves a week of theory classes and two-three weeks of practical dives. As for costs, submersibles vary in price from $3 million to $8 million (Dh11 million to Dh29.3 million), depending on the number of passengers and maximum depth rating. Dutch company U-Boat Worx manufactures the NEMO, the world's only serially produced private submersible. 'Thanks to its compact footprint and low weight, it's ideally suited for private use, whether it's on a superyacht, a support vessel, or even from shore-based operations,' says Roy Heijdra, marketing manager for U-Boat Worx. Its customer base is diverse, but they all share a passion for the ocean and underwater exploration. 'Private individuals often use their submersibles for leisure diving — to explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, or marine wildlife with family and friends in complete comfort and safety.' It has taken things even further and built a luxury 42-metre submarine called Nautilus, which offers the best of both worlds — luxury yacht cruising and deep sea exploration. With state-of-the-art technology, it features a saloon, bar, master cabin, observation lounge, staterooms, and even a small gym. The final price of the Nautilus is to be determined, as each one is built to order.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Analyst Boosts Archer Stock on Flying Car Demo
C. Wainwright analyst Amit Dayal's bullish take on flying car stock, Archer Aviation's (NYSE:ACHR) recent Abu Dhabi test flight underscores growing confidence in the eVTOL maker's path to certification and commercialization. Following Joby Aviation's Dubai milestone, Archer's Midnight prototype soared in Abu Dhabi's extreme summer heatan event Dayal says highlights three key positives: progress toward commercial readiness, proven design resilience under harsh conditions, and the establishment of advanced aviation infrastructure backed by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with ACHR. With senior UAE regulators and partners on hand, Dayal believes this demonstration should help the company in collecting data to support its certification and commercialization plans in the UAE as well as in other regional markets. Dayal's upbeat assessment signals that Archer is not merely matching its rival Joby but forging ahead on critical regulatory and operational fronts. Analyst endorsement can sway investor sentiment and ease financing for next-phase developmentvital as the company prepares for its Launch Edition service rollout. As Archer racks up regulatory wins and analyst praise, Dayal's boost could prove a catalyst for its stock and reinforce the company's credibility in the fast-evolving eVTOL sector. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
