VW’s China unit set to test passenger drone prototype

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson, a 35-year-old automotive enthusiast and mother of two, co-founded CarGirls.ca to empower and educate women about the automotive world. Jess's passion for cars started in her father's garage, learning the mechanics of automotive repair. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jess has extensive expertise in automotive design and technology. She enjoys attending car shows, racing her custom-built Mustang, and teaching her kids about car maintenance. Jess is dedicated to inspiring and supporting women in their automotive journeys.

Latest posts by Jessica Thompson (see all)

• Quick Look at the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | MotorTrend - March 13, 2024
• BMW Design – 2009 BMW Z4 – 2009 Detroit Auto Show - March 11, 2024
• Top 10 Car Features Women Love - October 7, 2023

Volkswagen Group’s China unit, exploring concepts for future mobility services, unveiled a prototype of a full electric and automated drone at its headquarters in Beijing. 

The prototype, capable of vertical take-off and landing, has an X-shaped wing with a span of 10.6 meters. It features eight rotors for vertical lift and two propellers for horizontal flight. 

Test flights of the prototype will begin later this year and an improved version will undergo advanced test flights starting in the summer of 2023, VW said. The final version of the drone is expected to carry four passengers and luggage over a distance of up to 200 km, VW Group China said.

In the first phase of commercial use, the drone will likely be marketed “as a premium product for high-net worth, tech savvy Chinese customers,” VW said, using VIP air shuttle services as an example.