Construction has begun on Croatia’s first autonomous EV production facility at VGP Park Zagreb. Led by Verne and backed by VGP, the factory will use cutting-edge technology to manufacture and test driverless electric vehicles, targeting global markets from 2026.
Construction is well underway on Croatia’s first autonomous electric vehicle production facility, a landmark development at VGP Park Zagreb in Lučko. The 28,500-square-metre site will house Verne’s large-scale manufacturing operations, marking a significant step in the country’s push towards next-generation automotive production. The project is a collaboration between Verne, a Croatian company focused on urban autonomous mobility, and VGP, a pan-European developer of logistics and semi-industrial real estate.
”The facility is designed to meet high environmental and sustainability standards”
Located within a newly established 10-hectare business park, the factory will position Croatia as a player in the global autonomous EV sector. “The construction of the Verne large-scale production factory is a strategically important step for our company and a significant contribution to the development of a future-oriented automotive industry in Croatia,” said Marko Pejković, CEO and Co-founder of Verne.
”This is the first factory of its kind in the region, positioning Croatia as a key player in the modern automotive industry. Verne vehicles for all markets will be produced in Croatia and exported globally.
”We are pleased to collaborate with VGP, an industry leader whose in-house technical expertise ensures the successful implementation of this complex project, from development to property management. It’s important to mention that the construction of the Verne factory, its maintenance costs, along with additional resources Verne will invest in equipment are entirely funded through private investments and are not connected to EU funding.”
”Initial output will consist of several hundred vehicles, with volumes increasing as the project scales up to meet global demand”
For VGP, the project represents its first investment in Croatia. The factory, built to Verne’s specifications, will be owned by VGP and leased to Verne under a long-term agreement, a standard model for industrial facilities. The plant will integrate state-of-the-art technology for manufacturing, assembly and testing of autonomous EVs, setting a benchmark for digital and green production technologies in the region.
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The facility is designed to meet high environmental and sustainability standards. It will seek BREEAM Excellent certification and comply with EU Taxonomy regulations, ensuring alignment with green investment frameworks. The site is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, with up to 400 new jobs anticipated once operations commence.
Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, with production beginning in 2026. Initial output will consist of several hundred vehicles, with volumes increasing as the project scales up to meet global demand.
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