Waymo to build autonomous vehicle factory in Michigan

The company will employ hundreds of workers to install its in-house-developed autonomous hardware on FCA and JLR vehicles.

Michigan's Economic Development Corporation has granted approval for Waymo to build self-driving vehicles in the state.

The company has developed its own hardware and software systems that must be installed in fleet vehicles, starting with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and soon the Jaguar I-Pace.

"Our local engineers are already hard at work outfitting our Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans with Waymo technology, and now we're looking forward to expanding our roots," Waymo wrote in a blog post.

The company has picked Southeast Michigan as its manufacturing center, though a specific facility has not yet been selected. The site is expected to be the world's first factory completely dedicated to mass production of Level 4 autonomous vehicles.

Importantly, Waymo customers will eventually be presented with numerous vehicle options when arranging a ride. Different types of vehicles from various automakers will be tailored for a range of activities, from getting groceries to going out for a night on the town.

The factory is expected to employ hundreds of employees in the next few years.