Joby and Toyota to scale up eVTOL manufacturing

Joby Aviation has formed a joint venture with Toyota Motor Corporation to expand manufacturing capacity for its electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi and prepare for large-scale production. The two companies have collaborated for nearly a decade, including a week-long flight demonstration campaign at Fuji Speedway in Japan in December 2025. That work will now expand into a formal joint venture focused on production. The alliance’s initial phase focuses on establishing the groundwork for commercial production and advancing manufacturing excellence, with an emphasis on improving productivity, quality and cost. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said, “Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for manufacturing our aircraft. “Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead. Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality, and we look forward to delivering on that promise together.” Joby Aviation, based in Santa Cruz, California, plans to operate an eVTOL service in several cities worldwide, as well as sell to other operators and partners. It’s first eVTOL aircraft could be certified for commercial operation later this year. Toyota operates 14 manufacturing plants in North America, where it has produced more than 50 million vehicles, giving it deep experience in high-volume production systems. Its North Carolina plant also began assembling automotive batteries for electrified vehicles in 2025, adding to its experience with electrified powertrains. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, commented, “Since our founding, we’ve been guided by the philosophy of providing mobility for all. “We see air mobility as a natural extension of that philosophy — from the ground into the sky — and as a way to bring new value to people’s lives and to society. We believe this strengthened relationship is an important step forward in realizing the future mobility society.” Both companies said they will continue working together through the joint venture, drawing on their respective strengths to bring eVTOL air mobility to a broader scale as demand grows.