Navya, in collaboration with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Ann Arbor Spark have announced its plant in the State will be located in the city of Saline.
The electric shuttle provider plans to build around 25 of its ARMA fully autonomous vehicles at the plant before the end of this year.
With the addition of its new plant in Saline the company will be able to boost production significantly to serve the growing North American market.
“As the greater Ann Arbor area continues to establish itself as a hub for autonomous vehicle development, we feel it’s the perfect location for us,” said Navya CEO, Christophe Sapet.
“Strong government and community support for mobility initiatives combined with an excellent talent pool provide the ideal environment for our expansion in North America.”
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of more than US$1m and create 50 jobs, resulting in a US$435,000 Michigan Business Development performance-based grant. The funds are approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
“Michigan is at the forefront of mobility and autonomous vehicle development and Navya’s decision to establish its first US facility in Saline further solidifies our leadership position in that space,” said Trevor Pawl, MEDC group vice president, Trevor Pawl.
Ann Arbor Spark hosted Navya during its first visit to the region as part of a French Mobility delegation in 2015 and will help the company locate the employees it needs to continue its growth at its new manufacturing facility in Saline.