In a joint announcement with project collaborators Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Ann Arbor SPARK, NAVYA has announced that it will open its first U.S. production plant in Saline, Michigan.

NAVYA plans on building approximately 25 of its ARMA fully autonomous shuttle vehicles at the 20.000+ sq. foot plant by the end of the year.

“We at NAVYA could not be more pleased to call Saline, Michigan home to our first assembly plant in North America,” says NAVYA CEO Christophe Sapet.

“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.”

​To date, more than 170,000 passengers have taken a ride in NAVYA's shuttle, thanks to a fleet of 45 ARMA autonomous shuttle vehicles being deployed across the world.

NAVYA believes that with its new plant in Michigan, it will be able to significantly boost production, and adequately serve the growing market in North America.

For Trevor Pawl, the MEDC group vice president over Planet M, which is Michigan’s new economic development initiative set up to help mobility companies enter the state, and Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, there is great significance behind NAVYA choosing Michigan as the home of its first U.S. production plant for autonomous vehicles.

“Michigan is at the forefront of mobility and autonomous vehicle development, and NAVYA’s decision to establish its first U.S. facility in Saline further solidifies our leadership position in that space,” Pawl says.

Krutko adds, “NAVYA’s growth in the Ann Arbor region is fueled by our region’s commitment to innovation in mobility technology, and the talented people who think and work on these issues every day throughout our region.”

A total capital investment of more than $1 million is expected to be generated by this project, and 50 jobs will be created. This will result in a $435,000 Michigan Business Development performance-based grant.

The Michigan Strategic Fund approves the funds, while the Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the funds.