Traffic jams have always been the primary hindrance to travel, especially now that more vehicles are on the road due to pandemic restrictions being eased. Suzuki, usually known for its small cars, is aiming for a solution that literally takes to the skies.
Small, fuel-efficient cars have always been a Suzuki hallmark
In a statement released on March 22, the automaker announced its strategic partnership with SkyDrive, a leading manufacturer of zero-emissions flying vehicles and heavy-lift cargo drones in Japan. The two companies will embark on a joint effort to research, develop, manufacture, and market flying cars for commercial use.
Outside of Japan, Suzuki and SkyDrive plan to use India as a takeoff point (pun not intended) for their flying car initiative, with the goal of promoting mobility solutions that also result in carbon neutrality.
SkyDrive's heavy-duty cargo drones lift up to 700 kilograms per day
SkyDrive’s drones are already being used to airlift materials and goods at Japan’s mountainous regions, carrying payloads of up to 700 kilograms daily. For manned flight, SkyDrive has also developed the SD-03 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype for urban air mobility (UAM), capable of carrying a single passenger.
Debuting in 2020 with a successful four-minute test flight in Japan, the SD-03 uses eight electric motors, each powering a propeller to generate lift and thrust. It has a cruising speed of up to 50 kilometers per hour and a flight time of 5 to 10 minutes. The SD-03 made its world premiere at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022 in Las Vegas last January.
SkyDrive plans to launch its air taxi service at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka using the planned SD-05 production model, featuring increased speed and flight time.
The mass-produced version of the SD-03 prototype will be used as an on-demand air taxi service
Meanwhile, Suzuki has established itself as a manufacturer of mobility products in three categories, spanning automobiles, motorcycles, and outboard engines for marine use. Through its partnership with SkyDrive to make flying cars, the automaker plans to offer a fourth mobility option for its markets.
Managing traffic used to be a matter of either building more roads or fielding less cars. Suzuki and SkyDrive are going over both with a third option, and only time will tell if their collaboration truly takes flight.
The sky’s the limit as far as our mobility stories are concerned at Philkotse.com.