French autonomous electric vehicle maker Navya has revealed plans to build a 20,000ft² production facility in Saline, Michigan, US. 

The facility will manufacture nearly 25 Arma fully autonomous shuttle vehicles by the end of this year. 

With the new Michigan facility, Navya expects to boost production of the fully autonomous shuttle vehicles to meet the needs of the North American market.

Navya CEO Christophe Sapet said: “We at Navya could not be more pleased to call Saline, Michigan home to our first assembly plant in North America. 

"As the greater Ann Arbor area continues to establish itself as a hub for autonomous vehicle development, we feel it’s the perfect location for us. 

"Strong government and community support for mobility initiatives combined with an excellent talent pool provide the ideal environment for our expansion in North America."  

"Michigan is at the forefront of mobility and autonomous vehicle development."

The new facility, which is expected to create nearly 50 employment opportunities in the region, will also generate a total capital investment of more than $1m.  

The company will also receive a performance-based grant of $435,000 from the Michigan Business Development. Funds have been approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund and administered by Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) group vice-president over Planet M Trevor Pawl said: “Michigan is at the forefront of mobility and autonomous vehicle development, and Navya’s decision to establish its first US facility in Saline further solidifies our leadership position in that space. 

"We applaud Navya’s commitment to Michigan and look forward to working with the company as it continues to develop advanced mobility vehicles and technologies." 

Planet M is Michigan’s new economic development initiative established to help mobility companies enter the state. 

Ann Arbor Spark will help Navya find employees for the new manufacturing facility in Saline.