The flying car industry is experiencing a surge of innovation and excitementRecently, Chery Automobile, a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer, along with the Tsinghua University Intelligent Transportation Laboratory, announced the official release of their patent for a “modular flying car.” This development, made public on February 19, marks a significant stride forward in the quest to revolutionize personal transportation.

In an interesting twist, recent changes in corporate registration for Guangzhou Huitian Flying Car Manufacturing Co., Ltd. have indicated an increase in registered capital from 500 million yuan to 650 million yuanThis company is wholly owned by Guangdong Huitian Flying Car Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Xpeng Motors, highlighting the serious financial backing and interest that major automotive players are investing in the flying car sector.

Industry experts assert that as the low-altitude economy continues to mature, traditional auto manufacturers, bolstered by their technological and financial prowess, are increasingly diversifying their ambitions from ground-based vehicles to aerial mobility solutionsThis shift not only symbolizes a new era in transportation but also the proactive measures that these companies are adopting to stay relevant in an evolving market.

The Tri-partite Integration Model

Unlike traditional one-piece flying cars, Chery’s newly developed tri-partite composite wing flying vehicle embodies a groundbreaking modular design philosophy

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This innovative approach introduces a tri-partite docking mechanism to the flying car conceptThe vehicle's structure consists of three essential components: the flight module, which includes the propellers and wings; the cockpit where passengers will be seated; and the driving module that facilitates its conversion into a ground vehicle.

The synergy between the flight and cockpit modules allows for the amalgamation into an airplane configuration, while the combination of the driving module with the cockpit transforms the vehicle into a conventional carThis versatility mirrors a 'LEGO-style' assembly, giving consumers the option to switch between aerial and terrestrial modes effortlesslyBy attaching the flight module, the car can take off, detaching after reaching the desired altitude and reattaching upon landing to resume ground operations.

The design team from Chery emphasizes that this modular arrangement not only enhances the flying car's adaptability to real-world applications but also addresses common challenges associated with air travel such as difficult take-off procedures and slow landingsFurthermore, it opens up possibilities for aerial commutes to become a feasible option for modern-day travelersNotably, the vehicle does away with traditional controls such as steering wheels and gas pedals, opting instead for dual-operation modes that facilitate both automated flights and manual driving, thereby significantly reducing the complexity involved in piloting and driving.

In pursuing these innovations, Chery is expediting its strategy around intelligent technology, focusing on key advancements in areas such as batteries, intelligent cockpits, smart driving, and intelligent platforms

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To harness global expertise and resources, the company has established the 'Kaiyang Lab', dedicated to open innovationThis lab aims to integrate academia, scientific research, and industry to drive innovation forward and facilitate the transfer of pioneering technologies into practical applicationsThe flying car’s recent unveiling is a significant milestone derived from the initiatives of the Kaiyang Lab.

Xpeng Huitian's Flying Car

In another development reflecting the interest in flying vehicles, Xpeng Motors, a prominent player in the automotive sector, is also actively investing in this emerging fieldRecent documentation indicates a corporate structural change within Guangzhou Huitian Flying Car Manufacturing Co., where the registered capital has increased significantly, demonstrating confidence in its market potential.

In January 2025, Xpeng Huitian unveiled its modular flying car named the “Land Aircraft Carrier.” The company has indicated that its cutting-edge manufacturing base is in the process of being established as the world’s first modern production line for flying cars aimed at large-scale manufacturing of this innovative vehicleThey are targeting an annual production capacity of 10,000 units, with projections for completion by the third quarter of 2026, aiming for mass delivery in that same year.

He Xiaopeng, chairman of Xpeng Motors, recently shared insights at the 2025 Guangdong High-Quality Development Conference

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