Autonomous vehicle manufacturer picks Jacksonville for new plant

After taking the lead in the testing and development of self-driving vehicles for public transit, Jacksonville is set to land a new manufacturing facility for rolling out those shuttles.

Officials will gather Wednesday for the announcement regarding the company that is code-named "Project Link" by city and state economic development officials. Holon previously confirmed it is the global company in the code name.

The plant has been described as a $100 million facility that could employ 200 people and would be the company's first in the United States. The city and state combined to offer up to $15.7 million in financial incentives.

The development of the plant is geared toward producing shuttles that meet "Buy America" and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Achieving those thresholds would make the distinctive-looking shuttles eligible for use in the Ultimate Urban Circulator network of self-driving passenger shuttles being built by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

As an interim step, JTA has said it will use retrofitted Ford E-Transit cargo vans equipped with automated vehicle technology when the first leg of the U2C system opens in 2025 along Bay Street from the office tower part of the Northbank out to the sports complex.

Gregory Crandell, general manager for Holon in the United States, said May 31 during the National Autonomous Vehicle Day event in Jacksonville that the company also was looking at other cities where its parent company Benteler has operations.

"But as I can see from working with the city of Jacksonville and also with JTA, and with us being here today, Jacksonville's a great place to be, I think," he said. "Plus, the city seems to be very welcoming for autonomous vehicles."

Autonomous vehicles are battery-powered, rubber-tired shuttles that use technology such as sensors and cameras for guidance so they don't need a driver on board.

JTA plans to create a system that operates throughout downtown at street-level on Bay Street and on an elevated route on the elevated structure used now by the Skyway. JTA also plan to extend the system to neighborhoods surrounding downtown.

Driving for jobs: $100 million automated vehicle plant could go to Jacksonville

Getting started: JTA's first phase of self-driving shuttles will use converted cargo vans

In the Project Link legislation, City Council in June unanimously approved rebating 75%of city property taxes for 10 years for a total amount up to $7.5 million. The city will cover training grants for new employees at $1,000 per employee for up to 200 employees, equating to $200,000.

The state incentive is $8 million from its high-impact performance incentive program. The state also will give a capital investment tax credit for 100% of the company's corporate tax liability.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Autonomous vehicle manufacturer picks Jacksonville for new plant