Home to Orville and Wilbur Wright, Dayton might become the next gateway to a different type of aviation: The flying car.
On Feb. 17, the Dayton Daily News and the Dayton Business Journal reported Terrafugia Inc. is showing interest in moving its production to Dayton. The articles said the company is considering a $4.4 million offer to move its business to the Gem City. The Dayton Business Journal reported that the company would decide its future in six to eight weeks.
Founded in 2006, Terrafugia’s mission is to “provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing personal aviation.”
Terrafugia has already developed its prototype: a “Transition Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept” vehicle. The company’s Web site said the Transition uses its design to “fold its wings and drive on any surface road with modern personal airplane platform. Once at the airport, the wings extend and the aircraft is ready for take-off.”
The company stresses the Transition is not designed to replace automobiles. The anticipated price for a Transition is $194,000, according to its Web site.
I think I’m going to pass on buying a flying car for now.
Don’t get me wrong. I would love to see this business creativity hit the area, though it doesn’t sound like the Transition is expected to change the way the world commutes. But if Terrafugia decides to step into the region, I imagine only good would come out of it.
Dayton is home to thousands of displaced workers after the General Motors plant in Moraine was shut down in December 2008. Dayton offers experienced manufacturers and the former GM building needs a new owner.
Terrafugia said the product won’t be made available for customer delivery until 2011, but it will expand its workforce for the release date. The company is based just outside of Boston, and the move to Dayton would be a much-needed economic boost to the city’s struggling economy.
I’m crossing my fingers that Terrafugia takes off for Dayton. It makes perfect sense for the company to move where aviation was born.