Joby Aviation saw a notable surge in its share price, rising as much as 21%, after announcing a significant $500 million investment from Toyota Motor Corporation. This new injection of funds pushes Toyota's total investment in the electric air taxi company to $894 million. Joby plans to use this capital to aid in the certification and commercial production of its electric air taxis, a move that signals strong industry confidence and interest in urban air mobility solutions. Reuters reported this development, highlighting the substantial backing from one of the world's leading automakers.
The deal is structured to occur in two $250 million tranches, with the initial closing later this year and the second scheduled for 2025. The partnership is more than just financial; it includes a strategic manufacturing alliance intended to draw on Toyota's renowned expertise in manufacturing and quality control. This collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in Joby's first phase of commercialization, particularly as they aim to scale production and ensure quality in their pioneering fleet of air taxis.
Joby Aviation has been making strides with its innovative air transportation solutions, having recently rolled out its third aircraft. They are currently advancing through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process, now completing more than a third of the fourth stage out of five. The company is on track to revolutionize urban mobility by offering fast, quiet, and convenient flight options, with commercial services anticipated to launch soon. This strategic partnership with Toyota marks a significant step towards achieving those goals.