ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ

Source | EHang

 (Guangzhou, China) has announced a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Hefei-based Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (JAC Motors) and Hefei Guoxian Holdings Co. Ltd. (Guoxian Holdings). Under this agreement, partners aim to establish a joint venture in Hefei, China, to invest in the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing base for low-altitude aircraft. The facility will integrate advanced technology, standardization and automation to produce intelligent and pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

Per the agreement, all three partners will also collaborate on the R&D, manufacture and sales of this new type of eVTOL aircraft in order to accelerate technological advancements, industrialization and production capacity growth. The partnership will integrate the new vehicle industrial chain in Hefei with aircraft manufacturing technology, promote the standardization of key aircraft components, establish unified industry standards and cultivate a comprehensive industrial cluster. This initiative aims to foster the development of the low-altitude economy and a new multidimensional transportation ecosystem.

Featured Content

Submit abstract to speak at CW Bonding and Welding Tech Days in April READ MORE

Biomaterials make strides toward composites sustainability READ MORE

Assembling the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator: The final welds READ MORE

As one of China’s top 100 industrial enterprises, JAC Motors will leverage its expertise in traditional automobile manufacturing, including mature production line processes, advanced manufacturing capabilities and efficient production capacity and supply chain management, to scale up and automate eVTOL aircraft production.

EHang will contribute its R&D and production technologies in the eVTOL aircraft sector, along with its extensive experience in airworthiness certification and operations, providing essential technical support and assurance for low-altitude aviation.

Guoxian Holdings, a key player in the International Advanced Technology Application Promotion Center (Hefei) that drives breakthroughs, resource integration and the cultivation of new quality productive forces, will facilitate policy support and create a favorable development environment for the cooperation. 

EHang is actively collaborating with other local governments and partners in preparation for upcoming commercial operations of the low-altitude economy, including infrastructure construction, personnel training and production capacity expansion. For example, in October 2023, the Hefei municipal government signed a strategic cooperation agreement with EHang, leading to the establishment of two urban air mobility (UAM) eVTOL operation centers at Luogang Central Park in Hefei. The collaboration with JAC Motors and Guoxian Holdings to build a world-class eVTOL production facility aims to further meet the growing market demand for pilotless, passenger-carrying aircraft and lay the foundation for large-scale deployment of eVTOLs once the low-altitude economy enters the commercial operation phase.