Florida’s first autonomous vehicle manufacturer, Germany’s Holon, is set to begin construction in about six weeks on a new factory that could employ over 1,000 people on Jacksonville’s Northside. 

The company will build a 491,000-square-foot plant dedicated to producing 15-seat autonomous electric people movers. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will be the first American customer to deploy these driverless vehicles as part of its Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) shuttle service. 

JTA CEO Nat Ford highlighted the significance of the new plant and the U2C project, describing them as a beacon for Holon’s entry into the U.S. market. After a four-year search, Holon chose Jacksonville due to its favorable ecosystem, including local manufacturing capabilities, a world-recognized project with the U2C, and a pipeline of technology graduates from nearby universities. 

Prime Real Estate 

The new plant will be located on Zoo Parkway near the Broward River and is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Jacksonville is providing a $7.5 million grant for the $100 million facility, which will occupy 41 acres and feature a two-story office building adjacent to its 40-foot-tall manufacturing facility. 

Holon anticipates that the plant will initially create 150 jobs, potentially expanding to over 1,000 as production ramps up and customer demand grows. The facility will be able to produce up to 12,000 vehicles per year. 

JTA’s U2C service, a long-planned initiative, will initially operate 14 autonomous electric vehicles along a 3.2-mile stretch of Bay Street, connecting critical locations like the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, EverBank Field, and Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. The vehicles, equipped with laser, sonar, and radar systems, will be fully autonomous and capable of navigating traffic, stoplights, and crosswalks. 

Construction will also start soon on modifications to Bay Street, including 12 new bus stops and supporting sensors and cameras. JTA plans to launch the first U2C service by June and is developing an Autonomous Innovation Center at Bay and Jefferson Streets to oversee the $65 million system. 

The initial autonomous vehicles on Bay Street will be modified Ford electric vans, with the Holon Mover scheduled to replace them in 2027. Holon unveiled the prototype of the 15-seat Mover at a recent event attended by Mayor Donna Deegan and local lawmakers. 

This will be Holon’s first production facility outside its headquarters in Paderborn, Germany. The decision to build in Florida was influenced by the city’s supportive environment, availability of skilled workers, and investment incentives. 

Making A Name for Themselves 

The new factory will mark Jacksonville’s entry into automotive manufacturing and autonomous vehicle production, positioning the city as a major player in the industry. Mayor Deegan expressed enthusiasm for Holon’s investment, noting the significant job creation and economic benefits. 

JTA has already started testing its autonomous mass transit system with electric Ford vans on Riverside Avenue. The feedback has been positive, with users appreciating the new technology’s convenience. 

The U2C project will unfold in three phases, including converting parts of the Skyway system into an elevated roadway and extending the service to various parts of the city. A $12.5 million federal grant for the project requires the use of U.S.-built autonomous vehicles, and the total cost of the full build-out could reach up to $400 million. The second phase, estimated at $246 million, will soon be put out to bid. 

Final Thoughts 

As Jacksonville enters this new era of transportation and manufacturing, the collaborative efforts of Holon, JTA, and local stakeholders are set to position the city at the forefront of innovation, driving technological advancements and economic prosperity in the region. 

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