Florida’s First Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturer: Holon Breaks Ground in Jacksonville
In an exciting development for the state of Florida, Germany’s Holon is set to break ground on its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, marking a significant milestone for the region’s automotive and technology sectors. This ambitious project, which will produce autonomous, 15-seat electric people movers, is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and solidify Jacksonville’s position as a hub for innovation in transportation.
The New Manufacturing Plant
The new Holon plant will span an impressive 491,000 square feet and will be located on Zoo Parkway near the Broward River. Construction is slated to begin in approximately six weeks, with completion anticipated by mid-2026. The facility will not only house the manufacturing operations but will also include a two-story office building, making it a significant addition to the local economy.
The city of Jacksonville is backing this initiative with a $7.5 million grant as part of the overall $100 million investment in the plant. Holon officials have indicated that the plant will initially create 150 jobs, with the potential to expand to over 1,000 as production ramps up to meet customer demand.
The Role of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is set to be the first American customer for Holon’s autonomous vehicles, launching a shuttle service known as the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C). JTA CEO Nat Ford emphasized the importance of this partnership, describing it as a "lighthouse project" that will showcase Holon’s technology in the United States.
Ford noted that the combination of local manufacturing, a high-profile project like the U2C, and a strong educational ecosystem in Northeast Florida made the region an attractive choice for Holon. “You manufacture the vehicles here in Northeast Florida; you have a signature, world-recognized project with the U2C; you have the universities that are pumping out the technology students they need,” he explained.
The Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C)
The U2C project has been in the works for several years and aims to revolutionize public transportation in Jacksonville. The first phase will feature 14 autonomous electric vehicles that will transport passengers between key locations, including the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Everbank Field, and Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. The vehicles are equipped with advanced navigation systems, including laser, sonar, and radar technology, allowing them to safely navigate urban environments.
To support this initiative, JTA is modifying a 3.2-mile stretch of Bay Street to accommodate 12 bus stops for the autonomous vans, along with installing sensors and cameras to facilitate their operation among regular traffic. The first U2C service is expected to launch by June 2025, with an Autonomous Innovation Center being established to monitor the entire $65 million system.
Holon’s Vision and Future Plans
Holon’s COO, Petr Marijczuk, expressed optimism about the plant’s production capabilities, stating, “We expect 5,000 vehicles in the first step, in one shift, and the maximum capacity is 12,000 cars per year in two shifts.” While JTA will be the initial customer, Holon has plans to expand its reach both nationally and internationally, with contracts already in place for projects in Saudi Arabia and Europe.
The prototype of the Holon Mover, unveiled during a recent event at JTA’s autonomous vehicle testing center, showcases the company’s commitment to innovation. The fully electric and autonomous vehicle can accommodate 15 passengers and features a joystick controller for manual operation by an onboard attendant.
Economic Impact and Community Support
The establishment of Holon’s manufacturing facility is poised to have a significant economic impact on Jacksonville. Mayor Donna Deegan highlighted the importance of attracting innovative companies like Holon, stating, “Holon is exactly the type of company that we want to attract here in Jacksonville — an innovator and job creator with a global reach and a reputation for delivering.”
The project not only promises to create jobs but also positions Jacksonville as a serious player in the automotive manufacturing and autonomous vehicle sectors. As JTA continues to test its autonomous mass transit system, the community is already experiencing the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.
Conclusion
Holon’s decision to build its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Jacksonville represents a pivotal moment for Florida’s transportation landscape. With the combination of local manufacturing, innovative technology, and a commitment to job creation, this project is set to transform the way residents and visitors navigate the city. As construction begins and the U2C project unfolds, Jacksonville is on the brink of becoming a leader in the future of autonomous transportation.