Waymo to Build Self-driving Cars in Michigan
Alphabet's Waymo announced that will grow its business in Michigan, as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) voted to approve the company's effort to establish a manufacturing presence to build Waymo's self-driving vehicles in the state.
Waymo has proposed private investments of $13.6 million to build a facility in southeast Michigan and create more than 100 jobs, potentially up to 400 jobs, the Michigan Economic Development Corp said separately on Tuesday.
The state agency said it will contribute an $8 million grant to fund the project, it added. That would equate to $20,000 in state aid per job if the project hits the 400 employee target.
Waymo said the new facility would be dedicated to mass production of L4 or level 4 autonomous vehicles which can pilot themselves without a human driver under certain conditions.
Waymo added that it will work with auto supplier Magna International Inc to install its self-driving system in vehicles manufactured by others.
Waymo is already using Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV minivans and vehicles made by Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India’s Tata Motors. Waymo develops the hardware and software and combines self-driving systems into its fleet.
Waymo Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik has said the company plans to expand its fleet to as many as 20,000 vehicles by 2022, and he has been assembling an array of partnerships to that end, including agreements with car dealer chain AutoNation Inc to provide maintenance and fleet management services.