Toyota Invests $50 Million in Arizona Proving Grounds Expansion

News Summary

Toyota Motor North America has announced a significant investment of over $50 million for enhancements at the Arizona Proving Grounds. This expansion will include the construction of a new 5.5-mile oval track, an off-road park, and improved ride surfaces tailored for advanced vehicle testing. Set to conclude by the end of 2025, these developments aim to bolster Toyota’s testing capabilities and attract more automotive industry collaborations, reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to innovative vehicle technologies.

Arizona Welcomes Major Investment from Toyota

Toyota Motor North America has committed over $50 million for new construction at the Arizona Proving Grounds, enhancing its facilities to support vehicle testing and development. The investment focuses on establishing a new 5.5-mile oval track, an off-road park, and improved ride and handling surfaces, with most of the construction expected to conclude by the end of 2025.

Expansion Details

The ambitious expansion project involves seven distinct construction projects aimed at making the Arizona Proving Grounds, also known as the Arizona Mobility Test Center (AMTC at TAPG), an appealing location for companies interested in testing vehicle capabilities. Additionally, Toyota plans to create a facility specifically dedicated to advanced driver assistance technology (ADAS), which will further strengthen its testing capabilities.

Since AMTC at TAPG became available as a vehicle testing resource for the automotive industry in 2021, it has hosted 37 organizations and approximately 286 test vehicles. These vehicles accumulated around 203,400 hours of testing. The facility offers a total of 77 miles of testing surfaces, including 60 miles of paved roads and more than 50 miles of off-road tracks, making it comprehensive for various automotive testing needs.

Historical Context

Toyota established the Arizona Proving Grounds in 1993, and it has played an integral role in testing over 50 Toyota and Lexus vehicles designed for the North American market. Located in the Sonoran Desert near Wittmann, Arizona—approximately 60 miles northwest of Phoenix—the facility has served as a vital resource for enhancing vehicle performance and safety through rigorous testing protocols.

Impact on Arizona’s Economy

The investment has drawn praise from state officials, including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who acknowledged the positive impact of Toyota’s commitment on economic growth and innovation within the state. Arizona House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Leo Biasiucci also expressed appreciation for Toyota’s dedication to Wittmann, reinforcing the investment’s significance in bolstering local employment and technological advancement.

The upcoming developments are not only expected to enhance Toyota’s functionality at the proving grounds but will also lead to further collaboration within the automotive industry. This expansion reflects Toyota’s ongoing commitment to developing safe and innovative vehicle technologies, maintaining its status as a leader in automotive research and development.

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