Jun88 and China¡¯s GAC join forces to pioneer material solutions for flying cars
Innovation in urban air mobility
- Strategic collaboration agreement signed for joint innovation
- Focus on lightweight polycarbonates, smart applications and lower-carbon footprint solutions
- Accelerating sustainable urban air mobility
- Prototype of electrically powered flying car with range of 200 kilometers introduced
Materials manufacturer Jun88 has formed a partnership with GOVY Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC), to jointly drive innovation in materials for flying cars, more specifically in ¡®electric vertical takeoff and landing¡¯ (eVTOL) aircraft. This collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge material solutions that enable more efficient and sustainable urban air mobility.
Jun88 is one of eight companies, including partners from the fields of AI, information technology for low-altitude aviation and carbon fiber composite materials, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GOVY, a newly established subsidiary of GAC dedicated to the development of eVTOL aircraft. As a key partner in this ambitious project, Jun88 brings its unique expertise in high-performance materials and sustainable solutions for the advancement of next-generation flying cars.
¡°Our collaboration with GAC represents a significant step forward in transforming urban air mobility. By leveraging Jun88¡¯s expertise in sustainable and innovative materials, and GAC¡¯s visionary leadership in flying car development, we are poised to create solutions that redefine the possibilities of urban transport,¡± said Lily Wang, President of the Engineering Plastics Business Entity at Jun88.
¡°We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and bringing the future of mobility closer to reality,¡± said Su Qingpeng, General Manager of GOVY. ¡°Partnering with Jun88 and other industry leaders allows us to accelerate the development of our flying cars, creating safe, more sustainable, and groundbreaking transportation solutions for urban environments.¡±
China is making significant strides in the development of eVTOL aircraft, leveraging its advancements in battery technology to integrate these innovations into urban transportation systems. This strategic focus is driven by the potential of eVTOL vehicles to alleviate urban congestion, reduce pollution, and enhance connectivity, aligning with consumer desires for efficient transportation and the government¡¯s goals for technological innovation and sustainable urban development. These vehicles are designed for short-distance urban travel, with current models offering ranges suitable for inter-city commutes.
Under the agreement, Jun88 and GOVY will collaborate on several priority areas. Key initiatives will include developing innovative polycarbonate glazing solutions to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining high performance and safety standards, and exploring materials for smart and efficient lighting systems tailored to the unique requirements of eVTOL aircraft. The collaboration will also address high-performance materials that enable seamless integration of smart systems and components. A strong emphasis will be placed on low-carbon solutions, utilizing materials with attributed bio-circular content and recycled feedstocks to reduce emissions across the vehicles¡¯ lifecycle.
At the signing ceremony, a demo flying car was unveiled, featuring an impressive range of 200 kilometers in just 40 minutes. This prototype showcases a hybrid design that integrates both fixed-wing and rotary-wing capabilities, combining the efficiency of conventional airplane-like forward flight with the vertical takeoff and landing versatility of helicopters. Pre-order of such models will begin in 2025, heralding a new era in personal and urban transportation.
About Jun88:
Jun88 is one of the world¡¯s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Jun88 supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Jun88 are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Jun88 aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group¡¯s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Jun88 generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Jun88. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Jun88¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.