VERNE, a pioneering Croatian company in autonomous urban mobility, is set to begin large-scale production of autonomous electric vehicles with the help of Belgian real estate provider VGP. The new factory will be located in Zagreb, specifically in Lučko within the VGP Park Zagreb, covering an area of 28,500 square meters. CBRE facilitated the lease agreement between VERNE and VGP.

VGP's First Investment in Croatia

VGP, a leading European provider of high-quality logistics and light industrial real estate, will construct the state-of-the-art production facility. This project marks VGP's first investment in Croatia, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative projects in new markets.

Sonja Lončarević, Associate Director of A&T Industrial & Logistics at CBRE, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “It is a great honor for us to contribute to this revolutionary project. As part of the new 8-hectare VGP Park Zagreb business park, a production facility, warehouse, and office space will be built on 28,500 square meters as a ‘built-to-suit’ project for VERNE. This transaction highlights the growing importance of built-to-suit projects in the industrial real estate sector, alongside warehouse leasing.”

CBRE's Dominance in the SEE Region

This successful transaction underscores CBRE's leading position in the Southeastern European (SEE) region. CBRE has facilitated several major projects, including acting as an exclusive advisor to Orbico Hrvatska for their “built-to-suit” distribution center in Zdenčina and advising on significant private investments in Osijek and Velika Gorica.

“This transaction is further proof that the SEE region, and Croatia in particular, is an ideal location for the industrial and logistics industry due to its strategic geographical position in Europe, skilled workforce, competitive operating costs, and steadily growing economy,” added Lončarević.

Božidar Gaćeša, Head of A&T Industrial & Logistics for the SEE region at CBRE, commented on the market's growth: "The industrial and logistics real estate sector in Croatia has achieved significant growth, and this is a continuation of the record activity recorded in the previous two years. We foresee a continuation of this trend in the future."

Conclusion

The construction of VERNE's new factory in Zagreb signifies a major step forward in autonomous urban mobility and highlights Croatia's strategic importance in the industrial and logistics real estate sector. This collaboration between VERNE, VGP, and CBRE sets the stage for continued growth and innovation in the region.