Group opens $500m testing facility

Geely Auto Group has opened what it is describes as the world’s largest and most advanced automotive safety testing facility. 

The Geely Safety Centre, which covers 45,000sqm and was built after an initial investment of more than 2 billion Chinese yuan (about NZ$500 million), is designed to help the company accelerate the innovation of safety technologies.

A range of safety testing will be performed at the facility, from high-speed crash tests and pedestrian protection to active safety simulations, battery and new energy powertrain safety, cyber security, and health-related safety evaluations. 

Geely says the new centre in Ningbo, China, has been built to support its “comprehensive safety” for the intelligent vehicle era. 

Besides putting products and vehicles through their paces, the site can also test for human and environmental health impacts. 

The centre’s “Golden Nose” team focuses on testing for volatile materials and odours, detection of harmful substances and ensuring products meet a “zero harmful gas/odour” standard.

The new facility has set five world records, including the largest automotive safety laboratory at 81,930.745sqm and the longest indoor car crash test track of 293.39 metres.

It also boasts the largest altitude-climate adjustable wind tunnel facility for car testing, the largest arbitrary-angle car crash test zone and most tests – 27 types –  available in a carmaker safety test laboratory.

The centre also strengthens Geely’s collaboration with institutions such as China Automotive Technology and Research Centre and Tsinghua University.

Jerry Gan, group chief executive officer, says: “Safety has always been Geely Auto Group’s top priority over the past 30 years. 

“We’ve always aimed to exceed national and regional standards to set new benchmarks in safety, which is a benefit to everyone in the industry and consumers globally.

“With the inauguration of the new Geely Safety Centre, we open a new chapter for safety in the age of intelligent vehicles.”

Li Chuanhai, group vice-president and head of Geely Research Institute, adds: “The global electric and intelligent transformation of the automotive industry requires new and higher standards of safety in both physical and digital spheres. 

“The new Geely Safety Centre supports and accelerates the innovation of safety together with the collaborative efforts of safety technology leaders in the world.”