KUALA LUMPUR — The “flying car” that Malaysia is purportedly developing is actually a drone that can carry people and cargo, the vehicle’s makers have clarified.

Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof had previously said that Malaysia would reveal its first “flying car” developed using local technology later this year, a claim that was met with scepticism by various parties, including “shadow finance minister” Khairy Jamaluddin.

But Aerodyne Group, the vehicle’s developers, told Bernama on Wednesday (March 27) that the car, known as Vector, is a drone powered by four motors and a lithium-ion battery that enables the vehicle to fly.

"This vehicle can also carry a load of approximately 150-200kg and fly about 50m above ground level at 60km/h for between 30 (and) 90 minutes of flying time," Aerodyne's business development and consulting senior director Imtyaz Mohd Azzat told Bernama.

Apart from transporting passengers and cargo, the vehicle can also be used for surveillance purposes.

Passenger drones have been developed and tested in various cities around the world in the past few years, with several companies working to resolve the mechanical, engineering, safety and regulatory challenges that this new technology brings.

Mr Imtyaz added that Vector was slated to be ready to fly as early as June this year.

Aerodyne displayed a model of the drone at this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition, held from March 26 to March 30.

“Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was also pleased with this idea when he visited the booth,” said Mr Imtyaz.

Minister Mohd Redzuan had previously said that companies including Boeing, Airbus and Volvo had expressed interest in the project. AGENCIES