General Motors is pretty serious about maintaining its leading role in China, the world’s largest auto market.
On Saturday, September 22, GM and its Chinese partners, which include SAIC, Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, opened the largest automotive proving ground in the country.
The 5.67-square-kilometer (2.18 square miles) Guangde Proving Ground is located in Guangde County, Anhui, and cost RMB1.6 billion or US$253 million at the current exchange rates.
According to GM, the track is capable of conducting 67 driving conditions over 60 kilometers (37 miles) of test roads, accommodating up to 140 vehicles simultaneously.
“GM has brought some of our industry’s most advanced technology and processes to the Guangde Proving Ground,” said Kevin Wale, president, GM China, and chief country operations officer, China, India and ASEAN.
“Our goal from the beginning was to make this a world-class facility. The greatest beneficiary will be our customers, who will receive even higher-quality vehicles that are equal to those built and sold anywhere else in the world,” Wale added.
In order to simulate different driving conditions in China, the track contains eight specific test areas: an oval track, vehicle dynamics test area, long straightaway, ride and handling loop, noise test road, durability test area, corrosion test area and hill test area.
Furthermore, there are 23,000 square meters (247,569 square feet) of auxiliary space for labs, repair facilities and private workshops.
Earlier today, GM announced that together with its joint ventures, it sold its 2 millionth vehicle in China this year on September 21. This is the earliest date in the calendar year that Detroit carmaker and its partners have reached the milestone and the third time in GM’s history in China.
PHOTO GALLERY
