Although the finishing line is still relatively unclear, the race for flying taxis brings together every week more participants. And a number of heavyweights are now in the starting blocks. Like the giant Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Opel, Chrysler...) which, upstream of the CES Las Vegas has struck a major blow. The car group is going to put its hand in the wallet, injecting up to 150 million dollars equity investment in the American company Archer, with which Stellantis has worked since 2020. " We've been working with Archer for two years now, and I've never ceased to be impressed by their inventiveness and determination to succeed. "underlined Carlos TavaresCEO of Stellantis.
The file specialist eVTOL (vertical take-off and landing electric aircraft) will be able to use these funds from 2023. In addition, " Stellantis also plans to increase its strategic stake through the subsequent acquisition of Archer shares on the open market. Combined with the other elements of this enlarged partnership, these actions will enable Stellantis to position itself in a major long-term investor in Archer "said executives of the automotive group on 4 January.
But Stellantis does not intend to limit itself to the role of financial partner. The group is also going to get involved by mass producing the Midnight - Archer's eVTOL - with the status of exclusive contract manufacturer. The group will also support Archer in the construction of a new production site in Covington, in the United States. Production of the Midnight is due to start there next year.
On the strength of 160 km rangeMidnight is capable of carrying four passengers in addition to the pilot. It would be "optimised for short consecutive journeys of around 30 km with a recharge time of around 10 minutes between each journey", say its designers.
" The strengthening of our partnership with Archer as a strategic investor and our plans to increase our stake in the company are proof that Stellantis is constantly pushing back the boundaries to offer everyone eco-responsible mobility solutions, both on the road and in the air. "says Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis. " Offering Archer our supportive manufacturing capabilities is yet another example of how Stellantis intends to shape the mobility of tomorrow. "he promises.
" The fact that Stellantis recognises Archer's advances in marketing and is now committing additional resources to produce the Midnight puts Archer in a dominant position to be the first in this market. "says Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer.
