Autonomous shuttle provider Ohmio is to open a new HQ and manufacturing facility in Riverside, California, on 12 March.
Dean Zabrieszach, Ohmio president and CEO, said the city "shares our commitment to innovation and sustainability".
The company is based in Auckland, New Zealand, but is keen to make inroads into the US market. The new facility, located to the east of Los Angeles, will manufacture the first end-to-end, all-electric autonomous shuttles in the US. The shuttles can seat up to eight passengers and travel at speeds of up to 25mph.
The shuttles will be deployed in various locations throughout the city, and Ohmio will work "very closely" with the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) in integrating the vehicles into RTA’s operations as a complimentary service to the current offering.
RTA coach operators will serve as onboard safety operators for a pilot programme.
"This facility will not only serve as the hub for our operations but also as a centre for research and development, driving advancements in autonomous vehicle technology," Zabrieszach adds.
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) has collaborated on several research projects proposals with Ohmio, and the two will "continue to work together on cutting-edge research and development initiatives, leveraging UCR’s expertise and facilities to test and refine Ohmio’s autonomous shuttle technology".
City mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said: "Riverside is emerging as a global centre for clean and green technology, and Ohmio is the next step in that evolution. We look forward to the positive impact their innovative technology will have on our city's transportation infrastructure."
City authorities expect the new HQ to generate "significant" economic benefits, including job creation and increased sales tax revenue.
