Japan and Skydrive have begun producing a flying car, signaling a notable step forward in the development of urban air mobility. The joint announcement from Suzuki and Skydrive confirms that the SkyDrive SD-05 program is moving from plan to production, with a public showcase anticipated at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The collaboration aims to demonstrate that electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology can move from concept to a practical, road-adjacent flying solution that could someday complement existing ground transport.
The Skydrive team has outlined a clear timeline, emphasizing that production preparations have been underway for more than half a year and that the work will continue with increased intensity to advance the air mobility agenda. The company’s leadership, including the CEO, stressed a commitment to pushing innovation forward, aiming to establish a leadership position in the evolving landscape of aerial passenger transport.
The SkyDrive SD-05 is designed to accommodate up to three occupants, including the pilot. It relies on a distributed propulsion system featuring twelve electric motors, enabling vertical takeoff and landing, which is essential for operations in urban environments where space is limited. Performance figures indicate a top speed around 100 km/h and a flight range of approximately 15 kilometers, offering a compact, city-first approach to personal air travel. The vehicle’s architecture reflects a balance between practicality, safety, and efficiency, aligning with regulatory pathways that are still being developed for urban air mobility demonstrations and entry into broader markets.
Industry timelines typically include a rigorous certification and testing phase before any consumer sales. In this case, the SD-05 would need to pass a series of safety evaluations, airworthiness assessments, and operational approvals before reaching the market. The eventual retail launch is planned for 2026, assuming the certification process proceeds on schedule. As with any new mobility technology, regulatory alignment, infrastructure readiness, and public acceptance are among the critical factors that will shape the pace of commercialization and adoption.
The broader regional backdrop includes parallel developments in the automotive and mobility sectors. In related industry news, reports indicate that a Chinese automaker has advanced engine assembly activities in a European-adjacent region, signaling ongoing globalization and capability expansion within the mobility ecosystem. In another note, a large online retailer previously initiated a shift toward direct online vehicle sales, illustrating how digital channels are increasingly intersecting with traditional automotive distribution models.
Taken together, the progress of the SD-05 program underscores a growing interest in electrified, vertically integrated mobility solutions. If successful, the project could influence how cities think about last-mile and first-mile travel, integrating air mobility with existing transit networks and offering a glimpse into how multi-modal transportation might operate in the near future. The trajectory of such programs remains contingent on continuous technical refinement, safety assurances, and the establishment of a supportive policy and infrastructure framework that can accommodate the unique challenges of flying cars and urban air mobility at large.