Entrepreneur minister undeterred, touts merit of 'flying car' plan
INTERVIEW | What was initially announced as Putrajaya's plans to develop a 'flying car' had made it a subject of ridicule, but Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Yusof has remained undeterred.
In an interview ahead of Pakatan Harapan's first year in government power next week, Redzuan described the idea - later revealed to be a drone concept point-to-point air transportation system - as one of his ministry's successes in the aerospace sector.
He also insisted that the project, to be undertaken by local firm Aerodyne Group, is not new as similar models have been introduced in other developed countries...
INTERVIEW | What was initially announced as Putrajaya's plans to develop a 'flying car' had made it a subject of ridicule, but Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Yusof has remained undeterred.
In an interview ahead of Pakatan Harapan's first year in government power next week, Redzuan described the idea - later revealed to be a drone concept point-to-point air transportation system - as one of his ministry's successes in the aerospace sector.
He also insisted that the project, to be undertaken by local firm Aerodyne Group, is not new as similar models have been introduced in other developed countries.
"I was invited for the launch of a 'flying taxi' in Dubai, and Japan is set to launch a flying vehicle in 2025.
"This idea can boost global development. We do not want to be left behind," Redzuan said, stressing that Malaysia similarly has the expertise to make a name in the aerospace industry.
A model for the 'flying car', developed by Aerodyne, debuted at this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) exhibition, which was held in March.
However, Redzuan clarified that the flying car model, named Vector, was not the prototype for the planned 'flying car' as the model is still being constructed in Japan.
"We have this expertise… we have been involved in the construction of aeroplane parts and other locally made components for strategic industries, including drone services.
"This technology can be adopted for a 'flying car'," he said, adding that the project was also an image boost for local companies involved.
Vector is powered by four motors and a lithium-ion battery that enables the vehicle to fly. It is designed for carrying passengers, cargo delivery and surveillance purposes.
Images of the model have gone viral on social media and have been ridiculed by netizens.
The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (Marii) previously said the new National Automotive Policy (NAP) will outline the regulatory framework for 'flying cars' and autonomous self-driving cars.
