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Verne, a pioneer in urban autonomous mobility, has embarked on an ambitious project to build a cutting-edge production facility for autonomous electric vehicles. The initiative is a strategic move aimed at not only advancing the technology behind self-driving vehicles but also bolstering Croatia’s presence in the global automotive market. The project marks a significant milestone in the country’s industrial development, reflecting Verne's vision of integrating innovation with sustainable urban mobility.
The factory is being constructed within the new VGP Park Zagreb business park, situated in Lučko near Zagreb. The facility spans 28,500 square meters within a larger 10-hectare complex designed to support advanced industrial operations. This carefully chosen location is expected to leverage existing logistical and infrastructural advantages, providing an ideal environment for high-tech manufacturing and positioning the project as a flagship development in the region.
Production Plans and Employment
According to the project timeline, construction will be wrapped up by the end of this year, with the factory set to commence operations in 2026. Initially, the production line will manufacture several hundred autonomous electric vehicles, with plans to scale up output as demand grows and the project matures. In addition to its production goals, the facility is projected to create around 400 jobs, contributing significantly to local employment and fostering a new ecosystem for technological innovation in Croatia.
Strategic Partnership and Industry Impact
The project represents a powerful collaboration between Verne and VGP, a European leader in industrial real estate. This partnership combines Verne’s expertise in developing autonomous mobility solutions with VGP’s experience in constructing state-of-the-art industrial facilities. CEO and co-founder Marko Pejković has emphasized that the factory is a strategically important investment, designed to manufacture vehicles that will be entirely produced in Croatia and subsequently exported to global markets. The venture is expected to set a new benchmark for the automotive industry in the region.
A distinctive aspect of this project is its exclusive reliance on private funding. The construction, ongoing maintenance, and additional investments needed to equip the factory with the latest production, assembly, and testing technologies are all being financed by Verne.
The construction of Croatia’s first autonomous electric vehicle factory heralds a transformative era for the nation’s automotive industry. By investing in advanced production capabilities and embracing a model of sustainable, high-tech manufacturing, Croatia is positioning itself as a future hub for autonomous mobility. As production ramps up and the facility becomes operational in 2026, the project is expected to drive significant economic growth, foster innovation, and contribute to the country’s emerging reputation on the global stage for next-generation automotive technology.
