UTAC Expands Automotive Testing with New Proving Ground in China

Vehicle testing and certification infrastructure for the mobility industry
In the automotive, mobility, and vehicle certification sectors, testing infrastructure plays a critical role in validating safety, regulatory compliance, and performance for modern vehicles. UTAC has announced a major expansion of its operations in China with the development of a new high-technology proving ground in Huainan, Anhui province, designed to support testing and certification services for the country’s rapidly growing automotive sector.

Developed in partnership with the Huainan City Government, the facility will serve as UTAC’s strategic operational base in China, providing advanced vehicle testing capabilities for manufacturers and suppliers involved in next-generation mobility technologies.

Comprehensive testing infrastructure for modern vehicles
The new proving ground will include multiple testing tracks designed for vehicle validation, enabling engineers to evaluate vehicle dynamics, durability, and safety performance in controlled environments. The facility will also incorporate a technology park with workshops and office spaces available for rental, allowing automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and engineering teams to operate directly within the testing environment.

A dedicated conference and exhibition center will provide infrastructure for industry events, technical collaboration, and product demonstrations. In addition, purpose-built laboratories equipped with advanced testing equipment will support validation of emerging automotive technologies, including those used in new energy vehicles (NEVs).

UTAC will provide testing and homologation services aligned with international standards and regulatory frameworks, supporting vehicle manufacturers seeking to meet both domestic and global certification requirements.

Strategic location within China’s automotive manufacturing hub
The proving ground is located in Anhui province, a major center for vehicle manufacturing in China. With a population of approximately 70 million people, the region hosts a broad mobility ecosystem that includes automotive manufacturers such as BYD, Changan, Chery, JAC, NIO, and Volkswagen, along with extensive supplier networks.

In 2025, Anhui produced approximately 3.7 million vehicles, making it China’s leading province for total vehicle manufacturing, new energy vehicle production, and vehicle exports. The concentration of manufacturers and suppliers creates strong demand for local testing and certification infrastructure to support product development and regulatory compliance.

Supporting new energy vehicle development and certification
As the automotive industry transitions toward electrification and intelligent mobility systems, testing requirements are expanding to include new vehicle architectures, electronic systems, and connected technologies.

The Huainan proving ground is designed to support these developments by providing testing facilities for technology-driven new energy vehicles, enabling validation of performance, safety systems, and regulatory compliance for electric and hybrid vehicle platforms.

By combining testing tracks, laboratories, and engineering facilities in one location, the site is intended to support the development cycle from vehicle validation through certification and international market entry.

Strengthening UTAC’s global testing network
The Huainan facility represents a strategic expansion of UTAC’s global testing and certification capabilities. By establishing a presence within one of China’s largest automotive production regions, the company aims to support manufacturers operating within the country’s mobility ecosystem.

According to Connor McCormack, CEO of UTAC, the project reflects collaboration between UTAC and the city of Huainan as the region continues to develop its automotive industry infrastructure. The new proving ground will allow UTAC to bring its long-standing testing expertise and experience with European standards to support China’s automotive sector.

Local authorities also view the facility as an important step in strengthening the regional automotive value chain by linking vehicle testing, production, and export capabilities within Anhui province. By establishing an internationally recognized testing and certification platform, the project is expected to contribute to the continued development of China’s new energy vehicle industry and broader mobility ecosystem.

www.utac.com