Toyota expands European R&D with new on-site proving ground
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) inaugurated its own proving ground today at the TME Technical Centre, in Zaventem, Belgium. The state-of-the-art Zaventem Proving Ground, aimed at enhancing the role of Toyota’s European vehicle research and development, took two and a half years to complete. The latest expansion represents an investment of € 47 million and is a new illustration of Toyota’s long-term commitment to Europe, and to Belgium.
Speaking at the inauguration of the proving ground, Steven Vanackere, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Belgian government, said: "The future of our economy lies in the ability to always reinvent ourselves. The proving ground that we inaugurate today is a good example. It is the result of a process of technology innovation at the service of society. Road safety is a top priority, and this project shows Toyota's strong support. Moreover, the construction of the proving ground was done in a very environmentally friendly way. This project demonstrates that our open business climate, which is strongly valued by foreign companies and especially Japanese companies, is paying off. As Minister of Foreign Affairs I see with great pleasure that the economic relations between Japan and Belgium are stronger than ever".
The new Zaventem Proving Ground will play an important role for Toyota’s European vehicle development as part of the company’s long-term vision to become Toyota’s global development centre for the small and compact vehicle segments. The proving ground and its accompanying facilities cover a total of 65,000 m² at the Technical Centre, which measures 187,000 m² in total. Toyota currently employs some 770 members of staff at the Technical Centre, of which 430 work in Toyota’s research and development functions. To date, Toyota has invested € 167 million in the Technical Centre, including the latest investment of € 47 million for the purchase and construction of the new proving ground.
TME President and CEO, Didier Leroy, said: “The European automotive market is one of the most competitive in the world and our Technical Centre is already a key facility in Toyota’s global R&D organisation. Thanks to the new proving ground, we will make use of our unique positioning and our facilities as a laboratory for new innovations in a faster and more efficient way, so that we can develop the right car for our European customers, right here, in the heart of Europe.”
Aside from a 1.4 kilometre oval test track, the multi-purpose proving ground also features a 90-metre diameter skid pad, harshness road, noise road and a lane for brake tests. The facilities allow Toyota’s engineers in Europe to perform a wide variety of tests such as: ride comfort, road noise and vibration, vehicle strength, cornering, engine performance and brake performance. Situated in close proximity to the main workshops and offices at the Technical Centre, the proving ground will see the majority of all vehicle testing performed on site. The re-creation of existing road surfaces means testing can be done in an efficient manner and under a controlled environment. The proving ground will facilitate an even faster response to market demand and vehicle assessment.
Environmental impact for the construction of the proving ground was kept at a minimum. Some 98% of the demolished materials (approximately 36,000 tonnes) during the project were recycled on-site. Elements on the proving ground’s surroundings were chosen so that they can be integrated into the nature environment. A detailed noise study was performed to ensure no impact to the neighbourhood.