Could air taxis finally be upon us? Two manufacturing giants are teaming up to make air mobility a reality. Prepare for vertical takeoff.

For nearly a decade, Toyota has reportedly "been at Joby Aviation's side" as the company built the foundation for manufacturing its aircraft, said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and chief executive officer of Joby Aviation.

With expertise in production systems and operational excellence, Toyota has provided Joby with invaluable guidance and support to develop an electric air taxi.

The companies announced their official partnership and plans to launch the commercial production of Joby's electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to optimize productivity, quality, and costs.

Vision for manufacturing and future mobility

Joby Aviation, a California-based transportation company, is developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi. The company said it intends to operate an air taxi service in cities around the world while also selling its aircraft to other operators and partners.

Toyota noted that it has been in the North American market for nearly 70 years, with a strong focus on advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands.

With nearly 64,000 employees in North America, the automaker has contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 50 million cars and trucks across its 14 manufacturing plants.

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda said the alliance aligns with the company's long-standing approach to mobility.

"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," Toyoda said.

"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," he said.

Toyoda added that it believes the strengthened relationship represents "an important step forward in realizing the future mobility society."

Companies aim to expand the production of electric air taxis

The companies stated that they will continue working together, leveraging their respective strengths to bring air mobility to society on a broader scale.

"Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality, and we look forward to delivering on that promise together," said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and chief executive officer of Joby Aviation.