Toyota and Joby Launch 50-50 JV for 150-Unit Annual Flying Taxi Production by 2027
JOBY•Toyota Motor and Joby Aviation have formed a 50%-50% joint venture to mass-produce electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The JV will build a dedicated assembly plant in California targeting up to 150 flying taxis annually, with serial production slated to begin in 2027.
1. JV Formation Details
Toyota Motor Company and Joby Aviation have each committed capital and agreed to equal ownership of a newly established joint venture focused on manufacturing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The partnership combines Toyota’s large-scale production expertise with Joby’s advanced propulsion and noise-reduction technologies in a single entity.
2. Production Facility Plans
The joint venture plans to construct a purpose-built assembly plant in Santa Cruz County, California, featuring composite material workshops and automated final-assembly lines. The facility is designed to support an annual output of 150 aircraft, with certification milestones targeted ahead of a 2027 serial production launch.
3. Strategic Implications for Joby
This manufacturing alliance accelerates Joby Aviation’s commercialization timeline by sharing capital expenditure with Toyota and leveraging established automotive supply chains. The arrangement enhances Joby’s ability to meet projected urban air mobility demand and de-risks its path to initial revenue from flying taxi deliveries.
