HOLON, a company recognized for its innovative electric and autonomous shuttles, is set to make waves in the American market with the development of a new manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Scheduled for completion by 2026, this venture will occupy a sprawling 500,000-square-foot area, an ambitious project spearheaded by VanTrust Real Estate. The facility aims to produce around 5,000 autonomous shuttles annually and is projected to generate up to 150 jobs by 2027. This undertaking not only marks a significant milestone for Jacksonville’s and Florida’s automotive industry but also signifies HOLON’s strategic expansion in the United States, leveraging the country’s relatively supportive regulatory environment for autonomous vehicles.
Manufacturing HOLON Mover
The primary focus of HOLON’s Jacksonville plant will be the production of its flagship autonomous vehicle, the HOLON Mover. This Level 4 autonomous shuttle has a capacity of up to 15 passengers and can travel at speeds of up to 37 mph. Designed for a range of applications such as ride-pooling services and scheduled transit operations, the HOLON Mover aims to comply with stringent Buy America regulations and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). By adhering to these regulations, HOLON demonstrates its commitment to quality, safety, and supporting the American economy while positioning itself as a reliable player in the burgeoning autonomous vehicle market.
Henning von Watdorf, a representative from HOLON, has expressed immense gratitude toward the Jacksonville community and project partners for their enthusiastic support. This facility is a testament to the collaborative spirit in pioneering advanced transportation systems. Furthermore, PETR Marijczuk, HOLON’s COO, has emphasized the global significance of situating this facility in the United States. According to Marijczuk, the plant is expected to expedite the availability and market reach of HOLON’s autonomous shuttles, further cementing the company’s place in the global autonomous vehicle market.
Target Markets and Trial Runs
The Jacksonville facility is scheduled to begin trial runs of its autonomous shuttles by early 2026. The target clientele includes a diverse range of entities such as cities, airports, and healthcare facilities, all of which are seeking innovative, efficient, and affordable transportation solutions. The project has also garnered enthusiasm from key figures, including Marc Munago of VanTrust Real Estate and JAXUSA, who have highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative. This sentiment reflects the broader anticipation surrounding the deployment of autonomous shuttles as a solution to urban traffic congestion and the need for sustainable mobility options.
Moreover, HOLON’s strategy for its U.S. deployment involves crucial partnerships with Benteler Mobility and Beep, Inc. Benteler Mobility will manage the sales and implementation aspects, while Beep, Inc. will be responsible for providing essential services and software needed for the deployment and operation of the shuttles. These partnerships ensure that HOLON’s autonomous shuttles are seamlessly integrated into various environments, enhancing their efficacy and reliability. The collaboration with these established entities is expected to facilitate a smoother rollout and quicker adoption of HOLON’s autonomous technology across the United States.
Industry Trends and Future Implications
HOLON, a leader in electric and autonomous shuttles, is poised to make a significant impact on the American market with a new manufacturing facility set to rise in Jacksonville, Florida. The construction, managed by VanTrust Real Estate, is slated for completion by 2026 and will cover a vast 500,000-square-foot area. Once operational, the factory aims to produce around 5,000 autonomous shuttles annually, adding up to 150 jobs by 2027. This project not only represents a major milestone for Jacksonville and Florida’s automotive sector but also underscores HOLON’s strategic expansion into the United States. The company plans to leverage the supportive regulatory environment for autonomous vehicles in America, which is relatively more conducive than in other regions. This venture highlights HOLON’s commitment to innovation and growth, setting a new benchmark in the electric and autonomous vehicle industry. As the facility comes to life, it will undeniably influence both the local economy and the broader automotive landscape.
