YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP – The groundbreaking held Monday for a 335-acre site expected to become a global center for testing connected vehicles was hailed by assembled government leaders as putting Michigan on the forefront of the autonomous car movement.

On hand were Gov. Rick Snyder, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow who celebrated the launch of the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run in Ypsilanti Township, part of what used to be a mile-long factory that churned out B-24 bombers during World War II at the rate of one per hour.

“Michigan is reinventing the way the world moves. We are second-to-none when it comes to automotive and technological innovation, and we remain committed to making sure that stays true for generations to come,” Snyder said in a statement. “This world-class facility will put Michigan at the forefront of the autonomous movement to ensure we lead the way as the auto industry transforms into the mobility industry.”

In 2011, RACER Trust took title of the property and demolished most of the factory. It sold the remaining portion of the historic bomber plant to the Yankee Air Museum, which is converting it to the National Museum of Aviation and Technology at Historic Willow Run.

“Today is a great step forward for Michigan and the auto industry,” Dingell (D-Dearborn), said in a separate statement. “Connected and automated vehicles will revolutionize transportation and mobility over the next decade, and this state-of-the-art facility will help ensure that the technology of the future is developed right here in Michigan. We have the automotive know-how to lead the world in mobility innovation, and the American Center for Mobility will keep us at the forefront of that effort.”

The American Center for Mobility expects to enable technology and accelerate the development of voluntary standards to improve transportation systems, Mr. Snyder’s statement indicated, as well as ensure U.S. competitiveness worldwide.

“Today’s celebration is another example of the big things Michigan can achieve when we work together,” Stabenow (D-Lansing) said. “I look forward to a continued partnership with Senator Gary Peters and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as well as federal, state and industry leaders as we look ahead to the future of the industry that built the American middle class.”

Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) added, “I’ve been proud to be involved in this project since its conception, and this world-class testing facility will bring together automakers, suppliers and researchers to develop and validate the vehicles of the future.”

The center will be available for use by private industry, government, standards bodies and academia and will serve as a technology hub, allowing companies to lease office space, garages and other amenities. There also is room for additional economic investment by companies looking to expand existing or build new facilities close to the testing ground.

“This is the start of a new era at a site incredibly rich with history,” said John Maddox, president and CEO of the center, in a statement. “While there are many well-known transportation and manufacturing innovations at this site, the first use of this property was as a teaching orchard developed by Henry Ford. We’re planting an apple tree here today to honor the heritage and continue the tradition of innovation, education and good stewardship.”

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