AIR/WATER

Suzuki to Help Build SKYDRIVE eVTOL in Japan

July 16, 2023

Suzuki and SkyDrive announced at the Paris Air Show in June that they will be partnering to manufacture a new eVTOL aircraft.
The three-seat electric aircraft is meant to give people a new approach to daily transportation.
Manufacturing is expected to begin in the spring of 2024.

In a new step forward in the world of electric mobility, SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, has announced a collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation. The partnership aims to manufacture the highly anticipated “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft, combining SkyDrive’s expertise in futuristic air mobility with Suzuki’s renowned manufacturing capabilities.

A Shared Vision for a Skyward Future

With the official agreement unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2023 on June 19, SkyDrive and Suzuki are set to establish a manufacturing subsidiary responsible for the production of the “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft. Leveraging Suzuki’s production facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, the collaboration aims to commence manufacturing as early as the spring of 2024. Suzuki will also provide valuable assistance in securing skilled personnel and making necessary preparations for a successful production launch.

At the heart of this collaboration lies the innovative SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft. Designed as a lightweight, electric-powered aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, the three-seat SKYDRIVE promises to revolutionize daily transportation. With this visionary project, SkyDrive aims to create a future where eVTOLs become an integral part of people’s lives, enabling efficient and sustainable mobility both in Japan and across the globe.

Excitement and Optimism from Industry Leaders

Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to cooperate with SkyDrive as we ambitiously work towards creating valuable products that contribute to the realization of a world where people use the sky for their daily transportation.”

This sentiment was echoed by Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, who highlighted the alignment of values between the two companies. Fukuzawa explained, “In our pursuit to consistently manufacture safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will learn from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production.”