The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response (RACER) Trust have signed an agreement for the purchase of land at Willow Run, which will be developed and used as a connected and automated vehicle facility.

The American Center for Mobility (ACM), a nonprofit entity formed in April 2016, will develop and operate the Willow Run land.

MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said: “This is a major milestone in making ACM a reality.

"This facility will be a global leader in interconnected technology advancements, and a major economic driving engine for the entire state."

“This facility will be a global leader in interconnected technology advancements, and a major economic driving engine for the entire state.

“The whole project represents a multi-layered partnership between many groups, and getting the agreement in place toward the purchase of the land is a giant step forward.”

Willow Run has historic significance as it was used by Henry Ford for mass production in support of the allied effort in World War II.

During that period, Ford employed more than 40,000 people and produced a B-24 Liberator bomber every 55 minutes.

Currently, the facility located in Ypsilanti Township, will serve as a national centre for connected and automated vehicle research testing, product development, validation and certification.