FCA to lend expertise to air mobility start-up manufacturer

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has entered into a "definitive agreement" with Californian-based electric air mobility brand, Archer.

The company claims to be developing an Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle, with a goal to make it "just as safe as commercial airliners".

Archer was founded in 2020 by technology entrepreneurs Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein, who made their fortunes selling an online recruitment company for USD$100,000,000. Reports also claim the venture is funded by ex-Walmart CEO, Marc Lore.

The agreement sees Archer gain access to FCA's low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material manufacturing capability, as well as engineering and design expertise.

FCA states it has already collaborated with Archer in terms of cockpit design for its first-ever aircraft, which is set to debut "early in 2021".

It goes on to state that "Archer will manufacture high-volume, composite, (eVTOL) aircraft, with the intent of starting (full) production in 2023".

FCA, now part of the Stellantis conglomerate, is the latest in a string of automotive brands showing interest in the eVTOL sector.

Both Hyundai and Porsche have explored air mobility solutions, as has Toyota, which more recently sponsored an effort dubbed the "flying car".

MORE: Our technology coverage