TOKYO- Maruti Suzuki is in the process of developing electric air copters, aiming to introduce air taxis (named SkyDrive) capable of carrying three passengers, including the pilot.
These electric air copters are designed to be larger than drones but smaller than conventional helicopters, presenting a potential revolution in transportation akin to the impact of on-ground ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola.
Maruti Suzuki SkyDrive
For context, Maruti Suzuki currently holds the title of India’s most valuable automaker company, boasting a market capitalization of Rs 3.36 lakh crore. The closest competitor in this regard is Tata Motors, with a market cap of Rs 3.34 lakh crore.
In another noteworthy development for India’s automotive sector, Hyundai is reportedly considering launching an IPO in India later this year, around Diwali 2024.
Maruti Suzuki has chosen the name “SkyDrive” for their electric air copters, equipped with 12 motor and rotor units, and is expected to debut at the 2025 Osaka Expo in Japan.
While Maruti plans to eventually introduce this technology to India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the initial sales focus will be on Japan and the US.
Better Mobility than Helicopter
According to the report, the air copter is projected to weigh nearly half as much as a conventional helicopter, with a take-off weight of 1.4 tonnes. Its lightweight design allows it to take off and land on building rooftops.
Additionally, electrification brings the advantage of a significant reduction in the number of aircraft parts, leading to lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.
The objective of this strategy is to lead the way in developing innovative mobility solutions, beginning with the US and Japanese markets and gradually expanding into India.
Maruti is contemplating local manufacturing in India to curtail production costs while also assessing the Indian market for potential sales.
Kento Ogura, Suzuki Motor’s Assistant Manager for Global Automobile Planning in the automobile product planning group, revealed to TOI that discussions with the aviation regulator, DGCA, are underway, and feasibility studies are being conducted to materialize this plan.
The company is currently exploring potential partners and clients in the Indian market. For the success of air drones in India, their cost must be kept low. Suzuki Motor’s Assistant Manager, Kento Ogura, emphasized that the product has to be more affordable than helicopters.
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