Image: JobyToyota has been working with Joby since 2019. The partnership initially focused on sharing engineering and manufacturing expertise. In 2020, Toyota invested 394 million US dollars in the company, followed by a further 500 million US dollars in 2024.As a result, Toyota Motor Corporation became the largest external shareholder in Joby Aviation, behind founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, whose company is based in Santa Cruz, California.The two companies have now established a joint venture in California called Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company. Toyota Motor Corporation holds a 51 per cent stake in the venture, while Joby Aviation owns the remaining 49 per cent.The joint venture is intended to support Joby during the crucial transition from testing and certification of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to commercial production and market launch.Initially, the joint venture will focus on establishing the foundations for commercial-scale manufacturing and improving production quality. According to the two companies, its priorities will include increasing productivity, enhancing quality standards and reducing manufacturing costs.Over the longer term, the new company is also expected to support the expansion of Joby Aviation’s production capacity in order to support aircraft certification and meet anticipated growth in demand for battery-electric eVTOL aircraft.“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,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “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.”Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, commented: “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. It’s really meaningful for us to take on this challenge together with Joby, a partner that shares the same vision. We believe this strengthened relationship is an important step forward in realising the future mobility society.”Pilot production of the first aircraft, the Joby S4, is already underway in Marina, California. The battery-electric eVTOL features six rotors and can take off and land vertically like a helicopter.The S4 is designed to carry four passengers and one pilot. It has a top speed of 200 mph (around 320 km/h) and a range of 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometres). Joby plans to deploy the aircraft in major urban markets including New York City, Los Angeles and Dubai.jobyaviation.com, global.toyota