[Carma2017]

https://www.reuters.com/technology/j...rs-2022-03-22/

This is an interesting development with long term ramifications. The key focus for me was the usage of the word India in the press release.

[romeomidhun]

Originally Posted by Carma2017

This is an interesting development with long term ramifications.

The idea is good - they are using a cute vehicle and a drone-like technique. Will be a good option for countries having a disciplined system. In a country like India, this doesn't seem to be a good option. Think about the chaos it will create in the air traffic, and the possible number of accidents. But can be sold to a limited number of trained people / team to run it as taxis. Not to show-guys, please!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Yc2L5koWZY

[CarNerd]

People can't drive properly on Roads, How will they fly Cars?

Some irrelevant questions:

What is the chance of colliding with Houses, Buildings, Flyovers, Power Lines, Trees, Etc? What if they lose control and fall down? If there is a collision between two flying cars, What is the rate of survival? How safe will pedestrians be? What kind of NCAP tests will these go through? What kind of Airbags do these need? If batteries go low, where and how to recharge? Will there be landing spots all over like fuel pumps? How will getaway flying cars be caught by Police? Police can block roads, will they block air? If something goes wrong, will there be airside assistance?

[The Rationalist]

I think we wouldn’t have to worry about this becoming a reality for at least a decade or two in India due to the prohibitive costs. There was some estimate of ₹3 crore for one, hardly few hundred people will be able to afford this. Even if the costs come down due to mass production and newer technologies it won’t come down to less than ₹50 lakhs for the forseeable future. This will remain a novelty for our generation I think, not a mass market solution to travel woes. But exciting nonetheless.

[shortbread]

Originally Posted by The Rationalist

I think we wouldn’t have to worry about this becoming a reality for at least a decade or two in India due to the prohibitive costs. There was some estimate of ₹3 crore for one, hardly few hundred people will be able to afford this. Even if the costs come down due to mass production and newer technologies it won’t come down to less than ₹50 lakhs for the forseeable future. This will remain a novelty for our generation I think, not a mass market solution to travel woes. But exciting nonetheless.

Even if and when it becomes a reality, perhaps maybe a market success; maruti will, evaluate, ponder, deliberate, analyse for atleast half a decade before bringing the product to India.

Maruti has been evaluating a basic Jimny for India since January 2021..... and that thing doesn't even fly!

https://www.autocarindia.com/car-new...-market-419990

[RahulNagaraj]

Japanese auto giant Suzuki has announced a partnership with SkyDrive - another Japanese company, to research & develop flying cars.



The two companies are said to start collaborating in areas of business and technology, including tech R&D, manufacturing planning, mass-production systems and development of new markets, with an initial focus on India. However, apart from the partnership deal, both Suzuki and SkyDrive are yet to announce other details like investments, products or targets.

SkyDrive has been developing cargo drones since 2018, many of which are already in service at various worksites in Japan. The Japanese company is now said to be working on the development of a compact, two-seat electric flying car for full-scale production. SkyDrive is aiming to offer its flying cars for air taxi services during the 2025 World Expo to be held in Osaka, Japan.

On the other hand, Suzuki is looking to add flying cars as its fourth mobility business after cars, motorcycles and outdoor motors.

Link to Team-BHP news

[Miel]

Flying Car? Flying Car? I feel like I have been living under a rock for too long maybe , 'coz if these are supposed to be cars, then where are the wheels? A flying car should drive on the road and fly in the air, right? I don't see them showcase any road-going ability.

To me these are just personal manned drones. An evolution of the single-engined, single or 2-seater aircraft which some of the uber-rich have been known to own.

[TorqueMonster]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

Japanese auto giant Suzuki has announced a partnership with SkyDrive - another Japanese company, to research & develop flying cars.

Link to Team-BHP news

Maybe a good start will be safer cars and better build quality for Suzuki. Flying cars can come later.

[TechSavvy]

I love burning rubber and getting new shoes flying car doesn't give me that. I wonder how we'll get the adrenaline rush behind the joystick(haha) of one of these.

[Gansan]

I don't think flying cars will get the nod anywhere in the world, leave alone India. They will be too risky for airliners. And a person will need a Pilot license to fly one anyway.

[volkman10]

Production of Suzuki's [flying car] has started. Aiming for mass production of 100 aircraft per year.

SkyDrive, which is funded by Suzuki, which developed the SkyDrive (SD-05 type), and is actually scheduled to fly at the Osaka Expo in 2025 next year.

Full-scale production has finally started at Suzuki's Iwata Plant (Shizuoka Prefecture) from March 2024.

The partnership between Suzuki and SkyDrive began in March 2022, and they collaborated in research and development, manufacturing planning, and the development of overseas markets centered on India. The relationship was strengthened with Suzuki's investment in September of the same year and an additional investment in December 2023, and this long-awaited start of production.

It will be manufactured as a three-seater "SkyDrive (SD-05 type)" including the pilot, and is scheduled to fly at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Initially, a commercial flight with Mr./Ms. on board was planned, but it was not completed in time, and only a demonstration flight will be held at the Expo.

However, plans are underway to obtain a type certificate in Japan and start commercial flights after 2026, and the Iwata plant will be able to manufacture up to 100 aircraft per year. Suzuki's business extends to the skies.

Link: