Toray Industries Inc. said Tuesday it will supply carbon fiber composite materials to German flying car manufacturer Lilium GmbH to help it lighten airborne vehicles it plans to launch as early as 2025.
The Japanese chemical fiber maker said it will provide the German startup with vital materials for the fuselage, wings and other parts of the electric flying cars manufactured by the Munich-based company.
The deal comes as expectations rise that regional air mobility such as flying cars will reduce traffic congestion and noise and air pollution in major cities around the world.
Established in 2015, Lilium is developing flying vehicles that can carry a pilot and four passengers and fly up to 300 kilometers in less than one hour.
"Toray aims to help resolve urban environmental issues by developing materials that cater to the unique challenges of air vehicles," the Japanese company said in a statement.
Toray currently supplies Boeing Co. with carbon fiber composite materials for its aircraft.
