American Center for Mobility

The **American Center for Mobility** (ACM) is a 500-acre automotive research center and federally designated proving ground committed to the advancement of mobility technologies. Located at the historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, ACM provides a unique environment for the testing, validation, and demonstration of automated, connected, alternative, and conventional vehicles. It plays a key role in accelerating the development of safe and sustainable transportation solutions within the automotive industry.

History

The American Center for Mobility originated as a joint initiative with the State of Michigan, founded in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Groundbreaking for the facility took place in November 2016, building upon the legacy of the Willow Run site. The site’s history is deeply rooted in automotive manufacturing, having previously served as a major production facility for the Ford Motor Company during World War II, most notably for the mass production of the B-24 Liberator bomber.

ACM officially opened in December 2017 and was designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a national automated vehicle proving ground. The center was established to enable technology and accelerate the development of voluntary standards to improve the safety and reliability of automated vehicles. The facility aims to transform the way automotive industries advance mobility technologies.

Geography

The American Center for Mobility is situated on 500 acres of land at the historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. The location is in Southeast Michigan, a region historically significant to the automotive industry. The specific coordinates of the facility are 42°14′17.5″N 83°33′15.8″W. The ZIP code for the location is 48198.

The facility’s location within Ypsilanti Township provides access to a skilled workforce and a robust infrastructure supporting the automotive sector. The proximity to other automotive suppliers, manufacturers, and research institutions fosters collaboration and innovation. The site's layout includes real-world roadways designed to replicate various driving conditions, allowing for comprehensive testing of automated and conventional vehicles.

Economy

The American Center for Mobility contributes to the regional economy by attracting investment in mobility technology and creating opportunities for research and development. ACM offers facilities and real estate options, including short- and long-term leases for garage laboratory space that can also function as office space. It also facilitates co-location opportunities with ground leases, build-to-suit options, and the development of organizational facilities.

ACM's presence supports the growth of the automotive industry in Michigan and beyond. By providing a dedicated proving ground, the center reduces the time and cost associated with testing and validating new mobility technologies. This, in turn, encourages innovation and accelerates the deployment of safer, more efficient transportation solutions. The center also offers opportunities for marketing, events, and demonstrations, allowing companies to showcase their technologies to potential customers and partners.

Attractions

While not a traditional tourist attraction, the American Center for Mobility offers experiential areas to showcase emerging mobility technologies. These spaces are used to conduct demonstrations, host industry events, and facilitate technology showcases. The facility is often used for product launches and video shoots related to the automotive industry.

The historical significance of the Willow Run site itself is an attraction. Previously the site of a massive Ford Motor Company plant that produced bombers during World War II, the area offers a glimpse into the industrial past of the region. The site’s transformation into a modern mobility research center represents a continuation of its legacy of innovation and technological advancement. The center’s proving ground and test environments, including real-world roadways, are utilized for the integration, development, and validation of various vehicle types.

Getting There

The American Center for Mobility is located at 2701 Airport Dr, Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. Access to the facility is primarily by vehicle. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is nearby, providing air travel access to the region.

Major roadways provide access to Ypsilanti Township and the ACM facility. Interstate 94 runs near the site, connecting it to Detroit and other major cities in the Midwest. Local roads, such as Airport Drive, provide direct access to the center. Public transportation options to the facility are limited, and personal vehicle or ride-sharing services are typically required for access.

See Also

Ypsilanti Charter Township, Michigan Automotive industry in Michigan Willow Run