Testing Facility News from Automotive Testing Technology Magazine

Curiosity Lab launches program to support growth-stage AV companies

Zahra Awan — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:15:27 +0000

Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners is launching an Autonomous Mobility Program for companies ready to deploy, validate and scale technology in a real-world city environment.

Through the program, selected companies may receive funding ranging from US$25,000 to US$250,000 to support deployments on Curiosity Lab’s autonomous mobility route in Peachtree Corners in the US state of Georgia. The program is designed for companies with technology that is ready to move beyond the lab, beyond the closed course, and into live operating conditions.

Curiosity Lab is a living laboratory for place-based deployment in metro Atlanta, built to help companies test next-generation technologies in an active city environment. The autonomous mobility route includes a nearly four-mile smart mobility loop along Technology Parkway and State Route 141, with dedicated autonomous vehicle lane segments, shared and mixed-traffic roadway, enhanced sidewalks, rights-of-way, smart city infrastructure and real destinations throughout the corridor.

The test lab recreates a real city environment with active traffic, intersections, sidewalks, business entrances, commercial activity and public infrastructure. For autonomous mobility companies, it creates an opportunity to validate technology in the kinds of conditions that matter for commercialization, customer adoption and scale.

Curiosity Lab is looking for growth-stage companies and innovation teams working on autonomous mobility technologies, including autonomous passenger shuttles, low- or high-speed autonomous vehicles, autonomous delivery vehicles, sidewalk or curbside delivery robots, autonomous logistics and last-mile mobility systems and robotic mobility systems.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm Eastern Time on July 24, 2026. Selected projects will take place in Peachtree Corners between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.

Nio opens new UK R&D center in Oxfordshire

Zahra Awan — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:55:54 +0000

Nio has inaugurated a new R&D facility in Witney, Oxfordshire, which brings together its UK engineering team of more than 40 people in a single location to further enhance collaboration and global electric vehicle innovation.

The 9,460ft2 site at Book End merges Nio’s former UK facilities at Begbroke Science Park and Bicester Motion into a single unit, comprising a dedicated CAE workspace and vehicle laboratory. The R&D center will support closer collaboration across the UK team and provide a more spacious and efficient base for future vehicle development work as the Chinese auto maker marks 10 years of R&D in the UK.

Danilo Teobaldi, principal chief engineer, Nio, said, “Bringing our virtual and physical UK engineering teams together in Witney will accelerate the development of innovations that improve the user experience. With new facilities, we can ensure Nio’s UK-based team continues to pioneer in areas such as class-leading Euro NCAP results for all three group brands, along with smart chassis system solutions for our global platforms.”

Ten years of innovation

In 2016, Nio established its global R&D center for performance and advanced concept engineering in Oxfordshire. Over the past decade, the operation has supported its global vehicle development programs, from the EP9 electric supercar launched in 2016, through to the Nio ET9, its smart executive flagship EV. Its engineers in the UK have also worked on the development of Nio’s third brand, Firefly, and its first compact EV.

Hui Zhang, vice president, Nio Europe, said, “For a decade, our Oxfordshire team has been an integral part of Nio’s global R&D network, contributing to multiple vehicle programs and engineering innovations across our global portfolio. As we celebrate this milestone, we thank the team for its dedication, expertise and contribution to Nio’s development over the past 10 years. The opening of our new Witney R&D center reflects our long-term commitment to the UK, Europe and international collaboration in advancing smart electric mobility.”

The center will facilitate CAE, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), simulation, safety, Euro NCAP safety assessments, durability, handling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) developments. It will also serve as Nio Europe’s focal point for artificial intelligence regulation and representation within the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers’ (OICA) AI Cluster through the SMMT. Additionally, the team will contribute to EU policy and regulatory engagement through UNECE working groups and industry consultations.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented, “This investment highlights the UK’s enduring strength as a center of automotive collaboration and engineering excellence. Nio’s decision to consolidate its R&D activity here in a new, state of the art facility also reflects the depth of British talent and expertise in next-generation vehicle technologies.

“It is a timely reminder that amid fierce global competition for investment, the UK can continue to attract and grow high-value innovation, supporting jobs, skills and the transition to zero-emission mobility.”

“I still find myself amazed at what goes on here on a daily basis” – Mark Reuss, GM

Mark Reuss, president, General Motors — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:54:49 +0000

GM president Mark Reuss reflects on a lifetime working at the Global Technical Center as the facility celebrates its 70th anniversary

It was 70 years ago last month that General Motors unveiled perhaps our biggest launch ever: the General Motors Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. The Tech Center was celebrated back then as “where today meets tomorrow,” and that’s even more accurate in 2026 as it was in 1956.

My passion for the place where today meets tomorrow goes back thousands of yesterdays to my childhood, when my dad would routinely bring me to work with him on weekends. No matter where we went, my eyes were wide, my heart beat fast and my brain worked overtime to soak up as much as it could.

Coincidentally, my dad’s dream to work at the Tech Center stemmed from a road trip to see it with his parents. Soon after, he and my mom moved up here from the farms of Illinois with US$100 to their name, and the adventure was on.

On our adventures, dad and I would typically start at the Chevrolet building, which is now the Estes Engineering Center. Chevy powertrain was in there, and Chevrolet Racing, both places of wonder to me. We’d go to the Chevrolet headquarters building, too, which was like a marble palace, but no longer exists.

My dad loved going to design, so we did that a lot, which makes sense, because that’s another remarkable world I still love to visit often. I remember him showing me the wind tunnel for the first time – imagine what that does to a child already fascinated with engineering. He also had an office in the R&D building, where a big moment for me was in the R&D lobby when I saw the Firebird concepts in person for the first time. Those space-age designs from the 1950s were absolutely stunning and I vividly remember thinking, this is where the future happens – this place literally creates the future.

Fast-forward to the present. This place is still creating the future, and I still find myself amazed at what goes on here on a daily basis. It’s not difficult to summon that childlike wonder I used to feel – one of the many reasons I love my job and I love coming here. I feel blessed to drive in the Mound Road entrance every day, especially when I imagine the thrill of driving up to it for the first time. That hooked dad and me, and it still helps to attract new employees and refuel the talent pool today.

A decade ago, we committed US$2bn to the renovation and refurbishment of the campus, and we did it the right way, as close to Eero Saarinen’s original vision for it as possible. The investment included nearly US$900m for the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center and Ancker-Johnson Battery Cell Development Center, which together give us a world-class battery R&D hub, bringing today that much closer to tomorrow.

We also built the beautiful new Design West center, which absolutely looks like it belongs here, as well as our pre-production facility to hand build the ultra-luxury Cadillac Celestiq. We renovated the Vanderbilt House, which had previously been used for everything from an executive cafeteria to furniture storage to a Quizno’s Subs. We revamped all the R&D labs, software and quality labs, advanced manufacturing areas – in short, everything everywhere. Every workspace is someplace I’d be happy to work in, no matter what. I’m very proud of what we accomplished here, and also very glad it’s done. Happy to see the pylons picked up and the port-a-potties loaded back onto trucks.

The Cadillac Celestiq in the Saarinen Design Center and Cadillac House in Warren, Michigan (Image: John F Martin)

As a result, I think the campus is better than it’s ever been. It covers 710 acres, with 25,000 people working in this ‘city of innovation’, more than ever before, all changing the auto industry for the better, and creating tomorrow, today.

For 70 years, the Tech Center has helped shape the modern automotive industry, driving the US economy, contributing to the national GDP, and supporting families across America and here in Michigan. Our investments here and in other Michigan facilities support thousands of highly skilled roles in engineering, design, software and advanced manufacturing.

And our investments in Michigan don’t stop there. Today we announced a US$50m commitment to support communities in the state through 2030, expanding our long-standing investments in education, workforce development and community partnerships across the state. We have a long history of giving back in Detroit and Michigan, and this reflects our focus on generating opportunities for students, educators and families.

Just as we have taken the time and resources to invest in our people and facilities, we are helping ensure the vehicles, skills and industrial capabilities needed to create the future are found in Michigan. Giving back has always been very important to me and my family, so I’m proud to connect celebrating our Tech Center’s 70^th anniversary to helping our community build a better tomorrow. I know my dad would be proud, too.

This article was original published on the GM media site.

The March 2015 edition of ATTI carries a site visit of GM’s global powertrain engineering hub in Pontiac. Email the editor, Rachel Evans, for a copy

GM’s executive director for compute and connectivity hardware, Aaron Leiba discusses the OEM’s modernized approach to vehicle connectivity engineering

MG invests €200m in European production facility

Zahra Awan — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:13:16 +0000

MG has announced that it is to build its first manufacturing facility in mainland Europe in Galicia, Spain. The new €200m (US$233m) plant is predicted to create more than 2,000 jobs across Europe and underlines the brand’s ‘In Europe, For Europe’ strategy, the auto maker said. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028, with an annual capacity of up to 120,000 vehicles.

“From technological innovation to the localization of manufacturing and R&D across Europe, supported by a truly global product line-up, MG continues to push the boundaries of what is possible – making advanced technology and sustainable mobility accessible to more people than ever before,” said William Wang, managing director, MG UK and Europe.

The site will integrate vehicle research and development, advanced manufacturing, core component supply and intelligent logistics operations, forming a fully connected, end-to-end industrial ecosystem. This platform will significantly expand localized production and sourcing, strengthening the resilience, responsiveness and agility of MG’s European supply chain.

MG will deepen collaboration with leading European technology partners, research institutions and local suppliers to accelerate innovation across key future-facing domains, including next-generation battery technology, intelligent mobility systems and clean energy solutions.

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the European automotive industry, as the EU’s 2035 zero-emission targets continue to accelerate the shift toward electrified mobility.

Wang said, “Through our ‘In Europe, For Europe’ strategy, we are not simply responding to the future of mobility – we are helping define it. By investing in local capabilities, strengthening our European footprint and fostering a more competitive automotive ecosystem, we are accelerating Europe’s journey toward a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable mobility future.”

New Czech laboratory supports growing demand for automotive materials validation

Zahra Awan — Fri, 29 May 2026 12:34:09 +0000

SGS has opened a state-of-the-art automotive materials laboratory in Kolín, Czech Republic, strengthening its European automotive testing network.

The Kolín laboratory delivers comprehensive automotive materials testing services with a strong focus on vehicle interior air quality (VIAQ) and flammability. The facility supports manufacturers and suppliers seeking accurate, locally delivered testing services aligned with OEM specifications and regulatory requirements.

The laboratory is equipped to determine volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde content in materials and parts, as well as associated interior emissions performance, including odor and fogging assessments. Advanced analytical technologies such as gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS), high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and controlled sampling chambers enable reliable and repeatable results across a wide range of automotive interior materials and components.

Established with the support of expert SGS teams from Germany, the Kolín laboratory benefits from transferred methodologies, standardized testing practices and proven technical know‑how developed across SGS’s global automotive materials network. The laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited for formaldehyde testing, fogging, odor and flammability.

“With the opening of the Kolín laboratory, we are strengthening our ability to support automotive manufacturers and suppliers with high‑quality, locally accessible materials testing services,” said Gregory Lechki, head of automotive materials testing services, connectivity and products. “By combining advanced analytical capabilities with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, we help customers meet regulatory requirements while improving vehicle interior quality, safety and overall market readiness.”

In other facilities news, last month Toyota Motor Europe opened a digital hub in Poland

Toyota Motor Europe opens digital hub in Wrocław

Zahra Awan — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:08:17 +0000

Toyota Motor Europe has opened the Toyota Digital Hub in Wrocław, Poland, that will focus on developing applications, cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions using advanced technologies for Toyota and Lexus vehicles across Europe.

The hub is expected to employ around 200 technical specialists that will be responsible for enhancing the MyToyota and LexusLink+ applications, which are used by more than two million European customers to access remote vehicle functions, battery‑charge monitoring and a wide range of ownership‑convenience services. The team will also contribute to the development of the cloud infrastructure that enables connected services for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe, while additionally providing cybersecurity support.

“Toyota has been present in Poland for 35 years and this project strengthens Toyota’s commitment in this market,” said Thierry Boitel, vice president of research and development, Toyota Motor Europe. “Poland was selected as the location for the Toyota Digital Hub due to its strong pool of highly skilled specialists and the presence of leading technical universities.”

The establishment of the Toyota Digital Hub marks a further investment by Toyota in Wrocław. Since 2015, the Shared Services Centre has operated in the city, providing accounting and tax advisory services for all Toyota units in Europe.

“The Toyota Digital Hub is set to play an important role in Europe by expanding Toyota’s software development capabilities and positioning Toyota Motor Europe as a trusted partner in future global software‑defined vehicle development,” said Luis Lopes, vice president information and technology, Toyota Motor Europe.

“The decision to locate Toyota Digital Hub in Poland confirms our country’s strong investment appeal and its solid position as a hub for modern technologies,” said Andrzej Domański, Polish minister of finance and economy.

Recent news, Pony AI launches self-improving physical AI engine PonyWorld 2.0

Horse Powertrain launches kAIros initiative to expand industrial AI capabilities

Zahra Awan — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:42:54 +0000

The company-wide kAIros AI initiative aims to improve efficiency in support of the company’s ambitions to reduce time-to-market by nearly 50%, cut low-value process work by 40% and increase design cycle efficiency by 25%. Supported by Nvidia, Google Cloud and Deloitte, kAIros is intended to enhance how the company designs, engineers, manufactures and operates across its business.

kAIros is part of Horse Powertrain‘s wider strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of advanced manufacturing in Europe through the use of AI in development, simulation and industrial operations. By combining advanced supercomputing with cloud platforms, the company aims to provide the computing power, security and scalability needed to support these activities and enhance its long-term innovation capabilities.

AI Factory to support industrial AI applications

At the heart of kAIros is the Horse Powertrain AI Factory, supporting AI use cases across engineering and production, including model training, simulation and digital twins, with the aim of accelerating industrial innovation and real-world deployment. A key part of the concept is the generation of training data to help continuously improve models and digital twins over time.

These capabilities enable the company to run advanced simulations and optimize operations in real time across products, factories, warehouses and logistics, with Google Gemini Enterprise used to deploy AI agents across the business, helping reduce coordination tasks that add limited value.

kAIros also supports physical AI by linking real-world operations with virtual systems in real time. This enables systems to interpret their environment, support autonomous decision-making, and interact with cobots, automated guided vehicles and smart machines. Applications include automated video-based quality inspection, faster product simulation and robotics for process optimization.

A dedicated Center of Excellence will lead the development of internal AI capabilities, bringing together cross-functional teams to build applications and scale expertise across the organization. Alongside this, the AI Factory will support scenario simulation, algorithm optimization and the development of intelligent propulsion solutions to improve efficiency and predictive performance. The initiative also aims to build long-term industrial AI capability to support advanced manufacturing in Europe.

Patrice Haettel, COO of Horse Powertrain and chief executive officer of Horse Technologies, said, “Industry advances at moments when technology doesn’t just follow change – it drives it. With kAIros, we are taking a decisive step into a new era where AI can redefine speed, cost, efficiency and sustainability.

“Our goal is to turn data into knowledge, simulations into real value, and innovation into competitive advantage. Horse Powertrain aims to be more agile and reliable because we understand that AI is not just a tool and kAIros is among the first AI factories in Europe for the automotive industry.”

Speedgoat opens larger North American facility for HIL test benches and services

Rachel Evans — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:49:13 +0000

To boost its capabilities in providing locally integrated real-time hardware-in-the-loop test systems and more hands-on support for customers in the USA and Canada, Speedgoat has opened a larger office in Framingham, Massachusetts.

From here, the developer of real-time test technology for control designs and embedded controllers will be able to give greater support in earlier validation phases and collaborate closer throughout system development and testing.

The new hub is near the MathWorks headquarters; Speedgoat’s real-time test systems support model-based development workflows integrated with MathWorks Matlab and Simulink for controls applications.

Essentially, the local assembly and integration capabilities will enable Speedgoat to more efficiently support OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, system integrators and research teams with application-specific HIL systems tailored to required sample rates, connectivity and environmental conditions.

Patric Schenk, MD AMER (North, Central and South America) at Speedgoat, said, “By expanding our North America operations, we are bringing our expertise, systems and services closer to our customers. The new office allows us to deliver fully integrated HIL test benches locally while providing faster, more responsive support to engineering teams across the United States and Canada.”

In addition to the well-established local technical support, the new facility provides an improved on-site lab and training where customers can perform factory acceptance testing on the HIL test benches. The new office will also offer workflow integration and application services along with extended jumpstart sessions to support faster adoption.

CamMotive opens high-current battery testing facility in Cambridge

Zahra Awan — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:54:52 +0000

E-powertrain development consultancy CamMotive has opened an 800V channel battery testing lab in Cambridge in the UK. The facility features a high-capacity test cell capable of cycling hundreds of large-format cells under controlled conditions, delivering up to 800A per cell for rigorous performance evaluation. One of the few UK labs with this capacity, it aims to accelerate battery development by helping OEMs improve compliance, range, lifespan and charging efficiency.

The lab’s high-current capability is designed to test large automotive cells and other high-power, high-capacity battery technologies, including those used in eVTOLs, data centers and stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS). Its extensive channel count is useful to companies with high-volume testing requirements, enabling hundreds of cells to be tested simultaneously under varying conditions. High-precision cyclers and advanced EIS tests also enable accurate long-term analysis and performance characterization, including cell ageing and end-of-life simulation, with modeling and calibration expertise provided by CamMotive’s specialist engineers.

The facility offers additional technical capability and services, including dynamic climatic chambers to replicate varying temperature conditions, and process thermostats for real-world thermal management testing. For high-power module and pack testing, the lab provides capability up to 1MW.

The primary purpose of the new laboratory is to support automotive OEMs and accelerate development timelines by gathering data for modeling, compliance and improved understanding, leading to enhanced performance, longer useful life and faster charging strategies.

In addition to the main facility, the laboratory also houses several lower current cyclers for testing of smaller capacity cells. In this way, the company aims to support innovation in battery technology, including startups working on the latest chemistries and organizations exploring battery options for new applications.

Bruce Campbell, director at CamMotive, said, “The launch of our new test facility marks the latest phase of CamMotive’s commitment to advancing battery technology and its applications. We provide solutions across the entire battery ecosystem, from early concept to end-of-line validation.

“Working with UK cell developers and digital modelers, manufacturers and integrators, we combine world-class testing infrastructure with decades of powertrain expertise to help our partners deliver sustainable solutions for road, air, sea transportation and stationary applications.”

Czinger establishes UK base at Mira Tech Park

Zahra Awan — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:51:26 +0000

Mira Tech Park has welcomed Czinger Vehicles to its world-leading mobility and R&D campus.

The company’s move marks a significant step in its UK investment and expansion strategy, positioning Czinger at the heart of the country’s thriving automotive innovation ecosystem. From its base at Mira Tech Park, Czinger will benefit from direct access to the UK’s advanced component supply chain, powertrain development expertise and the comprehensive suite of test facilities.

Czinger’s presence at Mira Tech Park builds on its close partnership with Divergent Technologies. Divergent’s proprietary technology digitally engineers, optimizes and manufactures complex structures up to four times faster than traditional methods. This combination of digital engineering and advanced vehicle development expertise positions Czinger at the forefront of a new industrial paradigm – one where design, performance and sustainability converge through innovation.

Lukas Czinger, founder, president and CEO at Czinger Vehicles, said, “Czinger is a global brand with a vision that transcends borders, and we’re incredibly proud to have established our UK base of operations at Mira Tech Park. This world-class facility provides us with the advanced infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem we need to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. Our presence here reinforces our commitment to building cutting-edge hypercars while contributing to the UK’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and automotive technology.”

Ewan Baldry, chief engineer at Czinger Vehicles, added, “Establishing a presence at Mira Tech Park allows us to work alongside leading technology partners and leverage world-class infrastructure to bring our next generation of vehicles to life faster and more efficiently than ever before.”

Jack Bartlett, head of commercial and partnerships at Mira Tech Park, commented, “Czinger represents exactly the kind of visionary, disruptive business that thrives at Mira Tech Park. Their investment reinforces the UK’s position as a global leader in powertrain and advanced mobility development – and underscores our role as the location of choice for the future of mobility.”