News Summary
Toyota has announced a $50 million investment to enhance its testing facility in Wittman, Arizona. The investment will fund a new 5.5-mile oval track and an off-road park at the Arizona Mobility Test Center, improving vehicle testing capabilities. Construction is underway and expected to complete by year-end, with plans for further expansions. Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized the potential economic growth from this investment, which could establish Arizona as an automotive innovation hub and attract more industry players to the state.
Arizona – Toyota has announced a significant investment of $50 million aimed at enhancing its testing and development facility in Wittman, Arizona. This substantial funding will go towards the construction of a new 5.5-mile oval track and an off-road park, designed to improve the capabilities and efficiency of the Arizona Mobility Test Center at Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds.
The upgrades to the facility will also include new ride and handling surfaces to facilitate advanced vehicle testing. Notably, construction on these new features is already underway, with the majority of the work expected to be completed by the end of the year. Plans for further expansions at the site are also in the pipeline, indicating a long-term commitment to innovation and development in the automotive sector.
Established in 1993, the Arizona Mobility Test Center has been a critical site for testing over 50 Toyota and Lexus vehicles specifically for the North American market. The extensive 11,650-acre facility provides a diverse range of on and off-road testing surfaces, including a high-speed oval track, making it an invaluable resource for the development of new automotive technologies. Furthermore, Toyota intends to build a new facility at the site dedicated to the development of advanced driver assistance technologies, further solidifying its position as a leader in automotive development.
Stefan Young, the Vice President at Toyota Motor North America’s Research and Development, has emphasized the facility’s importance in developing new vehicle capabilities. This investment not only signifies Toyota’s commitment to automotive innovation but also shows the growing importance of the Arizona Proving Grounds as a premier center for vehicle testing and development.
Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona has recognized the potential impact of Toyota’s investment on the state’s economy. She indicated that the additional funding has the capability to spur economic growth and enhance Arizona’s reputation as an emerging hub for automotive innovation. The commitment from Toyota can also attract other industry players and promote job creation in the region.
Interestingly, the facility has become a popular testing location for other automotive companies as well. Following the closure of their own testing sites in Arizona, companies like Stellantis have begun to utilize Toyota’s advanced testing facilities, further strengthening the center’s role in the automotive landscape of the state.
In summary, Toyota’s $50 million investment in the Wittman facility represents a significant boost to automotive testing capabilities and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation. With the new oval track, off-road park, and plans for additional facilities, the Arizona Mobility Test Center is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of vehicle development while contributing to the economic growth of the local community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- 12 News
- Wikipedia: Toyota
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Toyota Arizona investment
- ABC 15
- Google Scholar: Toyota Arizona investments
- AZ Family Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automotive Industry
- Car and Driver
- Google News: Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
