PAL-V's flying car may hit Indian market

PAL-V Europe NV, which is developing a three-wheeled flying car, said it would launch the vehicle in India in two to three years and people in the country can reserve a vehicle from the limited edition now.

The company said it has received interests from government institutions, hospitals and the tourism sector. "Companies like the Sahara Group in Mumbai have shown interest in using PAL-V's for tourist mobility and sightseeing applications. Driving and flying with one vehicle opens up a complete new set of applications people until now could only dream of," said Robert Dingemanse, chief executive officer, PAL-V Europe NV.

The Netherlands-based company recently bagged a patent in India for a personal land and air vehicle (PAL-V), a vehicle that can fly and ply on roads.

Dingemanse said first deliveries outside Europe were expected to be in 2018-2019. The expected price in Europe was €499,000 (excluding taxes). That works to about Rs 3.79 crore, if converted at Rs 75.71 a euro.

The company will commence certifying and introduction of the vehicle once it finalises the certification in Europe, expected in the beginning of 2018. The company was also planning to launch in India and people can reserve a vehicle for India now. First deliveries are expected in 2018 or 2019, said Dingemanse.

The company will import the vehicles from the Netherlands initially and will have very limited supply for the first three to five years.

"We only have a maximum of 5 available for India of the limited edition version," said Dingemanse, adding that the company would work with local companies for sales and maintenance. Only 90 pieces would be available worldwide.

The company has started talks for a partner in India. "We have serious interest from a number of companies in India but we cannot disclose names yet," he said.

On regulatory compliance, Dingemanse said the vehicle was built within the regulatory framework in Europe, the US and many other countries.