The Sky’s The Next Road
Toyota approaches the modern era with a multi-powertrain strategy, offering gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric vehicles instead of putting all its eggs in one basket. Now, the Japanese marque is going even beyond these mobility solutions, reaching for the skies through a partnership with Joby Aviation.
In a press release, Toyota announced that it had established a joint venture with Joby Aviation to prepare for commercial-scale production of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The venture marks the initial phase of the companies’ strategic manufacturing alliance, as the California-based aviation company continues to develop its products and work on securing certification.
Built The Toyota Way
Toyota’s primary role is to provide its global expertise in production systems and operational excellence. In the U.S. alone, the company has 11 manufacturing plants, including the Kentucky plant that builds the RAV4 Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. There is also the Alabama plant, which focuses on engines and differentials. The joint venture will now lay the foundation for commercial-scale production by improving manufacturing efficiency, quality, productivity, and costs.
Together, the two companies will look to compete in the emerging air mobility market, where other automakers, including Hyundai, are also exploring. Joby Aviation’s air taxi is a six-rotor electric aircraft capable of seating a pilot and four passengers. It held point-to-point demonstration flights in New York City, showing advantages such as electric propulsion, zero operating emissions, and a lower noise footprint compared to conventional helicopters.
“Since our founding, we’ve been guided by the philosophy of providing mobility for all. Over time, we’ve continued to expand what mobility can mean. 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,” said Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation.
Signed And Sealed
Toyota will own 51% of the joint venture, while Joby Aviation will hold the remaining 49%. It will reportedly have three directors from the Japanese automaker and two from its aviation partner.
Over in its all-electric four-wheeler business, Toyota currently offers the bZ, bZ Woodland, and C-HR. The bZ went on to become the third best-selling EV in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026, behind only the long-time market leaders, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. A three-row EV bearing the Highlander name is expected to join the lineup later this year.
Toyota
