Holon, a subsidiary of German automotive supplier Benteler, has chosen Jacksonville, Florida, as the site for its first U.S. manufacturing plant to produce the fully electric, autonomous Holon Urban shuttle. The $200 million investment is expected to generate more than 800 jobs and mark Florida’s entry into large-scale autonomous vehicle production.
The company has signed a term sheet with InLight Real Estate Partners for a 580,000-square-foot facility in Eastport Industrial Park. Groundbreaking is scheduled for April 2026, with production to begin in the second half of 2027 — a year later than originally planned. When complete, the Jacksonville facility will become the first autonomous vehicle production site in the state.
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“With this partnership, we are not only creating the basis for technological innovation, but also for sustainable growth in Jacksonville,” said Holon Chief Financial Officer Clemens Rengier. “Now Jacksonville is becoming the center for autonomous mobility in the USA.”
A study by the University of North Florida estimated that the project will contribute over $200 million to the local economy during construction and generate about $87 million in annual economic output once operational. Holon expects to hire around 150 employees directly, with additional roles created through suppliers and construction partners.
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Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) CEO Nat Ford described the initiative as a major step forward for the city and state. “This represents more than a milestone for the JTA and Holon, it’s a milestone for the Jacksonville region, for Florida, and for our nation,” Ford said. “Through this partnership we are demonstrating how innovation in mobility creates jobs, stimulates economic growth, and positions our communities at the forefront of America’s transportation future.”
The project follows a recent partnership between Lyft and Benteler Mobility to deploy Holon-branded autonomous electric shuttles across U.S. cities beginning in 2026. The shuttles will be integrated into Lyft’s ride-hailing network and used in locations such as airports and urban centers.
See also: Hamburg Begins Testing Autonomous Holon Minibus For Public Transport
While Jacksonville will serve as Holon’s U.S. manufacturing base, production of the Holon Urban shuttle will also take place in Europe and Saudi Arabia, supported by new investor Tasaru Mobility Investments. In Germany, Holon continues testing the vehicle on public roads in Hamburg as part of the ALIKE project, where early autonomous drives have already begun.
