News Summary
Toyota Motor North America announces a significant investment of more than $50 million to upgrade its Arizona Proving Grounds, enhancing facilities to support advanced driver assistance technology. The expanded site will feature a new 5.5-mile oval track and improvements to existing testing surfaces, with expected completion by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to drive economic growth in Arizona as the company continues its commitment to research and development in the automotive sector.
Arizona – Toyota Motor North America has announced a significant investment exceeding $50 million to enhance its Arizona Proving Grounds, a facility located near Wittmann, about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix. This investment will facilitate the construction of a new 5.5-mile oval track, an off-road park, and upgrades to existing ride and handling surfaces. The majority of these improvements are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.
The expanded facility, formally designated the Arizona Mobility Test Center at Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds (AMTC at TAPG), aims to support the development of advanced driver assistance technology in the future. The AMTC at TAPG has served as a testing resource for the automotive industry since it opened to external firms in 2021, managed by Intertek Transportation Technologies, which handles administration, rental operations, and tenant services.
Since its inception as a testing resource, the AMTC at TAPG has welcomed 37 different organizations, tested around 286 vehicles, and accrued approximately 203,400 hours of testing. With its extensive 11,650 acres of space, the facility boasts 77 miles of testing surfaces, including 60 miles of paved roads and more than 50 miles of off-road tracks, helping to evaluate over 50 Toyota and Lexus models for the North American market since it was established in 1993.
Features of the Arizona Proving Grounds
In addition to the construction of the new oval track, the AMTC at TAPG includes two existing high-speed oval tracks and enhanced ride and handling surfaces that are essential for rigorous vehicle testing. These developments are set to modernize the testing landscape and offer new resources to automotive engineers and developers.
Impact on Economic Growth
The investment has garnered positive responses from local government officials, including the Governor of Arizona and the Chairman of the Arizona House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. They highlighted the potential for Toyota’s expansion to stimulate economic growth and innovation within the state, further solidifying Toyota’s long-standing relationship with the region.
Toyota’s Presence in North America
Toyota has operated in North America for nearly 70 years, with over 1,800 dealerships across the continent and a workforce of about 64,000 employees. The company has produced approximately 49 million vehicles from its 14 manufacturing plants. In Spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina is scheduled to begin manufacturing automotive batteries for its electrified vehicle lineup, which currently includes 32 electrified options, positioning Toyota as a leader in this sector.
Advancements in Research and Development
Toyota’s research and development teams are recognized for their contributions to the evolution of next-generation vehicles and innovative mobility solutions. Over the past 11 years, Toyota has been granted more patents than any other automaker from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, totaling 2,428 patents in 2024 alone. The company’s global investment in R&D stands at approximately $1 million per hour, underscoring its commitment to continuing the development of groundbreaking automotive technology.
As the expansion of the Arizona Proving Grounds moves forward, Toyota’s initiative represents a strategic investment in both the future of vehicle technology and the economic vitality of Arizona, further enhancing its role as a pivotal player in the automotive industry.
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