Pioneering Indian Automaker Maruti Set to Revolutionize Air Transport
Maruti, the leading Indian automotive manufacturer, is gearing up to take control of the skies. The company is planning to develop electric air taxis in collaboration with its Japanese counterpart, Suzuki. According to a report by The Times of India, these electric air taxis will be smaller than traditional helicopters but larger than drones, with the capacity to carry at least three passengers, including the pilot.
A Paradigm Shift in Taxi Transportation
The objective of this initiative is to initially target consumers in Japan and the United States before expanding into India, thereby gaining early traction in new mobility solutions. Similar to ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola on the ground, these air taxis have the potential to revolutionize transportation.
Potential Expansion in India
Maruti is not only interested in exploring the Indian market for sales but also considering manufacturing in India to reduce production costs. Kentaro Ogura, Assistant Manager of Suzuki Motor’s Global Automobile Planning Division, revealed to TOI that the company is in talks with India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, and conducting studies to actualize this venture.
A ‘Make in India’ Model
The electric air taxi by Maruti Suzuki will be known as SkyDrive. With expectations to unveil this model with 12 units of motors and rotors in Osaka Expo 2025, Japan. While the initial focus will be on Japan and the United States, Maruti’s plan ultimately aims to bring this technology to India through the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Insights from Suzuki
Suzuki Motor’s Assistant Manager, Kentaro Ogura, emphasized the necessity of making air travel more affordable than helicopters. He stated that the company is currently conducting market research to identify its customers in India. For successful adoption in India, air taxis must be cost-effective. Reports claim that with a take-off weight of 1.4 tons, the air taxi’s weight will be approximately half that of a traditional helicopter. Due to its lightweight construction, it can utilize building rooftops for takeoff and landing. Additionally, electrification has reduced the number of aircraft components, resulting in lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.
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