Nokian has unveiled more conceptual images of its new testing facility south of Madrid in Santa Cruz de la Zarza, Spain. Covering 300ha of land, the proving ground dedicated to summer tire development is due to open in 2019.
The center will include an over 7km oval track that encircles the area. The track with banked curves will enable testing of summer and winter tires with high speed ratings at speeds of up to 300km/h (186mph).
Inside the oval track, there will be several shorter tracks for aquaplaning, wet braking and handling tests. These tracks will also be used for approval tests, such as noise.
Nokian is also building an educational center where launches for new products as well as internal and external trainings will be held. It will also serve as a place to welcome visitors.
Nokian uses approximately 50% of its annual product development budget on testing.
One key area of development at Nokian has focused on the guayule plant as a source of high-quality natural rubber. Crops are currently being grown and studied with a local university.
More info on the Spain facility here.
