Which Country Gets to Commercialize the First Flying Vehicle? Time to Place Your Bets

It seems the concept of flying cars becoming a viable transport system is really starting to take shape. Japan, under its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, has recruited heavy names like Subaru, Boeing, and Uber to help them establish a leading role in personal flying vehicles as early as 2020.

According to the trade ministry: "Globally, there is a growing interest in what is called 'flying cars' that will enable such transportation services in the sky," it said in a statement. "Japan, too, aims to achieve speedier and more convenient transportation services for people and goods, while trying to create a new industry that can be competitive and profitable in world markets."

Japan isn't the only country jumping in the "flying car" craze. Europe already has a handful of large companies struggling to get that first big bite of the pie as well. For instance, aeronautical giant Airbus has collaborated with Italdesign and Audi to create the Pop.Up concept, an "autonomous, electric urban air mobility". Another strong contender is luxury car maker Aston Martin, which has already created a three-seat-hybrid-electric personal podcraft concept.

Those who are betting on China should look to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the parent company of Volvo. It has bought the U.S. flying car startup Terrafugia, and is playing with the idea of creating its own flying taxi service called UberAir. According to Autoweek, the transport company has already offered demo flights in 2020.

Speaking of Uber, we also heard that the company is going to create Uber Elevate in the U.S., and is planning to partner with NASA in creating an air traffic control system in the future. However, this hasn't been verified yet, so let's just consider this a rumor for now.

 

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 04, 2025
  • MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
  • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025