The City of Riverside, California, aims to become a hotspot for innovation by teaming up with Ohmio, an electric autonomous vehicle company from New Zealand. The plan is to have Ohmio set up its international headquarters and a cutting-edge manufacturing hub in Riverside. The move recently got the green light with a 6-1 vote from the City Council.
The goal? To bring groundbreaking electric autonomous vehicles to the U.S., create jobs, and boost research.
Ohmio: A Pioneer in Electric Autonomous Vehicles
Ohmio is getting noticed, with autonomous shuttles operating in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Luxembourg, and New York. They even successfully tested their vehicles at New York’s JFK International Airport. Now, they’re eyeing Riverside as their next big move. Ohmio isn’t just about manufacturing; they’ll bring research and development, test their vehicles, and even make Riverside their sales hub, which means more money coming into the City.
The Riverside Advantage
Riverside’s strategic perks make it a perfect fit for Ohmio. Just a hop away from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) headquarters, Riverside offers excellent synergy for advanced vehicle research and development. CARB’s presence has already drawn in vehicle-related businesses, and Ohmio’s arrival is poised to boost this sector.
Plus, being close to top-notch educational institutions like UC Riverside, CE-CERT, California Baptist University, La Sierra University, and the Riverside Community College District opens up exciting possibilities for collaboration.
Ohmio’s Economic Impact on Riverside
Ohmio’s presence in Riverside isn’t just about fancy tech; it’s a significant economic boost. Initially, they’ll create around ten jobs, potentially expanding to 30 in the next three years. But here’s the kicker: Every job in advanced manufacturing tends to create 2.5 more jobs in related sectors. That’s a win-win for Riverside, spurring job growth and improving the local workforce.
Paving the Way for Riverside’s Future
Ohmio’s research and development center in Riverside could be a game-changer. It opens doors for collaboration with local universities and could lead to groundbreaking advancements in autonomous vehicle tech research. It’s not just about research; Riverside can nurture young talent with opportunities like career pathways, internships, and hands-on experience, helping future professionals thrive.
Enhancing Urban Mobility and Sustainability
Autonomous vehicles are poised to revolutionize urban mobility. Mayor Pro Tem Erin Edwards highlights their role in closing the “last mile” gap in public transportation. These electric autonomous shuttles could make cities more accessible, offering eco-friendly and efficient transportation options, reducing traffic, and improving the lives of residents.
The Investment for Riverside’s Future
Sure, Riverside’s making a financial commitment of up to $2.5 million, but the potential rewards far outweigh the costs. This includes getting three autonomous shuttles for testing on Riverside’s streets. Each of these shuttles costs about $300,000, and they’ll accelerate innovation and bring in revenue through sales taxes.
A Shared Vision for Innovation
As Mohammed Hikmet, Executive Chairman of Ohmio, puts it, the potential partnership is thrilling for Riverside and Ohmio. Riverside’s forward-thinking vibes perfectly match Ohmio’s commitment to innovation and advanced mobility solutions. Working closely with institutions like the University of California, Riverside, and the local community promises a future filled with mind-blowing advancements in electric autonomous vehicles.
In a nutshell, Riverside’s bid to host Ohmio’s international headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility is a visionary move. It means economic growth, groundbreaking tech, and greener urban mobility. As Riverside evolves into an innovation hub, it’s set to attract talent, foster research partnerships, and lead the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Ohmio’s arrival isn’t just about a company setting up shop; it’s a journey toward a brighter, more eco-friendly tomorrow.
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