200 new jobs coming to Novi, Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Scout Motors, a Volkswagen-backed, independent American auto manufacturer headquartered in Virginia, is establishing a new research and development facility in the city of Novi with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

Governor Whitmer met with executives from the company while traveling home from her international trade mission in January, making the case that with its attractive business climate, robust talent pool, and undisputed leadership in future mobility and vehicle electrification, Michigan was the smart location for a growing automotive company to establish its R&D operations and create engineering jobs. The recent announcement rounds out that landmark investment mission with a landmark R&D investment in the state.

Scout Motors will make a capital investment of $11 million and create 200 high-paying jobs in Michigan that support the state’s work to position itself as a leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. The project will bring immediate, high-wage engineering, design, and development jobs to southeast Michigan with an innovative, growing auto manufacturer, and further builds on Michigan’s strength in mobility and automotive R&D.

The company’s new research and development facility in the city of Novi will serve as a hub for future innovation and development for the auto industry within the U.S. The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved a $10 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in support of the project. Michigan was chosen for the expansion over competing sites in part because of the strength of automotive engineering talent in the state.

Michigan is poised to lead the EV revolution with unique resources and concierge partnerships including the state’s Electric Vehicle and Mobility Talent Action Team, which focuses on supporting the talent transition in the EV and mobility sectors. The team’s goal is to train thousands of workers in the first year by delivering professional development programs that engage workers in improving their skills and competencies in line with in-demand roles. To date, the team has already made significant progress in fostering collaboration among private industry partners, universities and the state.