Porsche’s sales chief, Detlev von Platen, the sports car manufacturer is considering the development of a flying passenger vehicle to enter the emerging market for urban air taxis and ride-sharing services. Von Platen shared this possibility in an interview with a German magazine, highlighting the potential benefits of such a vehicle.
In the interview with Automobilwoche, von Platen expressed the belief that a flying car from Porsche would be a logical step forward. He pointed out that the current commute from the Porsche plant in Zuffenhausen to Stuttgart airport takes at least half an hour, but with a flying vehicle, the journey would only require a mere three and a half minutes.
By exploring the concept of a flying passenger vehicle, Porsche aims to compete with its rivals and tap into the market for urban air mobility. The company recognizes the potential shift in transportation preferences, as traditional cars give way to self-driving vehicles shared through ride-hailing applications.
Porsche would join a growing list of companies, including Volkswagen’s auto designer Italdesign and Airbus, that are actively working on designs for flying cars. Last year, at the Geneva auto show, Italdesign and Airbus unveiled a two-seater flying car named Pop.Up, which was specifically designed to alleviate congestion on city roads.
According to the magazine, Porsche’s plan entails providing passengers with a certain degree of control over the flying vehicle, although a pilot license would not be necessary due to the extensive automation of the car’s functions.
As the transportation landscape continues to evolve, the exploration of flying cars represents an exciting frontier for the automotive industry. While there are still many technological and regulatory challenges to overcome, companies like Porsche are actively engaging in the development of innovative solutions that could shape the future of urban transportation.
The possibility of a flying passenger vehicle from Porsche demonstrates the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of mobility trends. By leveraging their expertise in high-performance vehicles and embracing emerging technologies, Porsche aims to create new opportunities for efficient and exhilarating transportation experiences in the urban airspace.
