Holon, a manufacturer of autonomous electric shuttles, has announced plans to establish its first production plant in Jacksonville, Florida. The plant will be the state’s first automotive vehicle manufacturing facility and will focus on producing autonomous movers. Holon is a subsidiary of the global automotive supplier BENTELER Group.
The new 500,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed by 2026. Henning von Watzdorf, CEO of Holon, described the project as a “significant milestone,” noting that the U.S. provides an ideal environment for autonomous vehicle development, with Jacksonville embracing the vision for autonomous transit early on.
Holon’s autonomous mover is fully electric and designed to operate on public roads, offering safety, comfort, and high production standards. The mover can carry up to 15 passengers and travel at speeds up to 37 mph, making it suitable for applications such as ride-pooling, ride-hailing, and public transit. The vehicle is being developed in collaboration with U.S. authorities to meet federal requirements, including the Buy America Act and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Petr Marijczuk, COO of Holon, emphasized the importance of the Jacksonville facility, which is expected to create up to 150 jobs by 2027. Once operational, the plant will have the capacity to produce 5,000 movers annually.
It plans to launch prototypes later this year, with the first vehicles expected to be deployed in pilot programs by early 2026. The company is targeting various sectors, including municipalities, airports, campuses, and healthcare facilities. Early demand for the prototypes indicates strong interest in Holon’s mobility solutions.
In the U.S., it will collaborate with Benteler Mobility and Beep, Inc., a provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions. Benteler Mobility will handle vehicle purchases and implementation, while Beep will provide software and services to manage the deployment of autonomous vehicles.
Joe Moye, CEO of Beep, highlighted the potential of Holon’s mover to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve road safety. He also emphasized the strategic partnership with Holon to provide a complete solution for customers, from the vehicle itself to infrastructure and financing.
Holon’s Jacksonville plant will complement its regional headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The BENTELER Group, which employs around 1,700 people across six U.S. locations, is planning further expansion with additional production sites in the future.
