Automated vehicle maker to open first U.S. manufacturing facility in Jacksonville

3 MIN READ

By Marcia Pledger

Self-driving transit vehicles are coming to Jacksonville. German-based autonomous vehicle manufacturer HOLON will invest $100 million in a manufacturing plant in Jacksonville at the Imeson Industrial Park that will roll out sleek passenger shuttles called ‘HOLON urban’ for use around the country beginning in 2027. HOLON’s North Jacksonville plant is the company’s first U.S. facility and the first manufacturer of autonomous shuttles in Florida.

“With openness and a supportive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, the U.S. offers an ideal environment for HOLON’s industrial initiatives and Jacksonville has demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm for our vision from the beginning, making the city a national leader in the deployment of autonomous transit,” said Gregory Crandell, General Manager of HOLON US. “We are deeply grateful to our partners and team for their tireless passion and hard work, which have made—and will continue to make—our expansion into the U.S. a reality.”

The 500,000-square-foot facility advances HOLON’s mission to deliver inclusive, emission-free and sustainable passenger transportation, addressing urban traffic challenges, climate change and demographic shifts. The facility will produce 5,000 vehicles a year, averaging one HOLON urban every 20 minutes. Each mover can seat 15 passengers.

The company’s current focus is on the U.S. market. As Crandell states, “most of vehicles produced in Jacksonville at the Zoo Parkway facility are for domestic use, however, some vehicles will be exported from the U.S. to other countries over time.”

Additionally, the factory will likely use imported components, including advanced sensors and battery systems, all of which require highly specialized manufacturing processes. 

Job Creation

The addition of new manufacturing such as HOLON supports area job creation and economic growth, which are critical to JAXPORT’s mission. According to an analysis by the Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida, construction of the vehicle manufacturing facility is projected to generate almost $300 million in local economic impact over the next four years.

The UNF analysis said the region will benefit from more than $200 million during construction, and $87 million annually. The project will create more than 800 jobs, including contractors and suppliers. HOLON is committed to creating at least 150 jobs new jobs in Jacksonville.

The outlook on the self-driving vehicles market

HOLON’s urban will be made available in the U.S. through Benteler Mobility in collaboration with Beep, Inc., a leading provider of shared, autonomous mobility solutions.

With early adoption already underway and continued interest from both public and private sectors, the demand for autonomous vehicles in the U.S. is expected to increase rapidly, particularly in urban areas with traffic congestion and in regions needing improved rural access. 

“Public transport must finally provide better access to urban peripheral and rural areas where large buses are not viable,” said Crandell. 

Jacksonville has shown great enthusiasm for HOLON`s vision from the beginning, making the city a national leader in the use of autonomous vehicles, Crandell said.

“The Jacksonville Transit Authority as our partner is one of the early adopters and the first city to operate HOLON’s urban on public roads in the USA,” Crandell said. “Similarly, we are talking with other very interested Public Transit Authorities throughout the USA.”  

The new plant complements its regional headquarters in Michigan. The Benteler Group, HOLON’s parent company, operates nine locations across the U.S., employing over 2,000 employees and has been in the USA for 45 years.

“We are looking forward to shaping the mobility of the future in the U.S., starting from Jacksonville,” states Crandell. “Jacksonville has demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm for HOLON’s vision from the beginning, making the city a national leader in the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Also, the backing by the state of Florida has been very helpful – we are pleased to support Florida’s vision to attract more high-tech industry to the state.”