American Automobile Manufacturers Talking Seriously About Flying Cars

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is partnering with electric aviation startup Archer to mass-produce flying automobiles, really more like helicopters or drones. General Motors also released designs for an autonomous flying car recently.

2 minute read

January 14, 2021, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Michael J. Cohen reports that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is angling for a foothold in the flying car market by partnering with an electric aviation startup.

"On Jan. 12, the electric aviation company Archer announced it is partnering with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to mass-produce its aircraft starting in 2023."

According to Cohen, the partnership is the first of its kind, but there will likely be more electric aviation startups working with large automobile manufacturers in the near future, all attempting "to crack the massive market for short-haul electric aviation."

"Archer, along with rivals such as Joby and Beta, is building a vertical take-off and landing aircraft intended to provide 'faster, sustainable, and affordable urban transportation,'" according to Cohen. Brett Adcock, Archer co-founder, is quoted in the article saying the company is building the "world's first all-electric commercial airline."

Numerous challenges, not the least of which includes the challenges of scaling up manufacturing, still stand between the companies and their ambitions. The industry does poised to one of the challenges inherent to the idea of fleets of flying cars, according to the article, by recently advancing electric aviation technology to the precipice of the global market.

Not to be outdone, General Motors recently released designs for an autonomous flying Cadillac, according to an article by Reuters. The flying Cadillac, technically a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone, will fit one passenger. The article notes that Toyota Motor, Hyundai Motor, and Geely Automobile have previously revealed concept aerial vehicles. 

Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in Quartz

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

19 minutes ago - Newsweek

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

1 hour ago - domus

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

2 hours ago - Greater Good Magazine