Navya plans to build 25 of its autonomous shuttles at the 20,000-square-foot facility before the end of the year, according to a news release.
"The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of more than $1 million and create 50 jobs, resulting in a $435,000 Michigan Business Development performance-based grant, the company said in the release.
It said the funds are approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund and will be administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The Saline plant, which is expected to open in the fall, will be the company's first outside its French headquarters of Lyon.
Navya Chief Executive Officer Christophe Sapet said basing the plant in the Ann Arbor area only makes sense.
"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. Strong government and community support for mobility initiatives combined with an excellent talent pool provide the ideal environment for our expansion in North America,” Sapet said.
The company's 15-passenger Arma shuttles are all electric and have carried 170,000 passengers to date. Forty-five shuttles are in use at private and public sites in various locations around the world, including Switzerland, Singapore, France and at the Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand.
Arma shuttles are also expected to be in use as part of a regular shuttle service at the University of Michigan's North Campus in Ann Arbor this fall.
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