mdimport,
Duh, Bell is obviously threatened by the the XTI / XERI JV, otherwise why would they even mention Duffy?
The TriFan 600 competes directly against Bell's helicopters and their own eVTOL project -- and has already claimed the mantle as the world's fastest, longest range eVTOL. Plus, the XTI team is world-class. They've developed 35 aircraft through to FAA certification. And could very well have first-mover advantage in multiple markets, including the highly lucrative business jet industry. They've already got $1.3 billion in pre-sales.
Don't forget, Tesla wasn't a serious plater in the automotive industry...until suddenly it was the most valuable automotive brand. Whose to say that couldn't happen with VTOLs?