Flying cars could become a reality by the end of the decade, a top industry boss has claimed.
Michael Cole, who runs car maker Hyundai’s European arm, said: “It is something we are making some very significant investment in and we think it is very much part of the future.”
Mike Hawes, head of industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, compared the concept with the flying cars in 1960s cartoon the Jetsons.
South Korean firm Hyundai has been working on the idea of “urban air mobility” for some time.
It revealed a concept flying car at a trade show in October last year.
Mr Cole, speaking at an SMMT event yesterday, said: “By the later part of the decade certain urban air mobility will offer an opportunity to free up congestion.”
The first airport for flying cars is due to open in Coventry, in a tie-up between Hyundai and others.
Called Urban-Air Port, it is descibed as the “world’s smallest airport” and is also designed for drones.
There have even been reports that Hyundai could have an air taxi service in the air by 2025.
Manufacturers developing flying cars either alone or in collaboration with others include Toyota, General Motors, Daimler and China’s Geely Automobile.
