When people hear ‘vehicle testing proving ground’, most of them picture a massive facility somewhere in Germany. Yet one of the most advanced automotive testing sites in Europe has been built right in the heart of the Máchův region in Central Bohemia. The AUREL Proving ground offers not only a multifunctional facility for vehicle and component testing, but also its own in-house development and Innovation centre. We spoke with its director, Zdeněk Svoboda, about where the facility is headed and how it’s tackling today’s challenges in the automotive industry.
How did the idea to build your own AUREL Proving Ground came about? And are you satisfied with the result?
Our main motivation was our collaboration with Škoda Auto, as well as the strategic goals for the Ministries of Transport and Industry focused on building modern facilities for vehicle development and testing. In 2018, we acquired the site in Břehyně, and just a year later we were already testing our first airbags there. And yes, today both us and our clients are very satisfied with the result. Everything went according to plan, and the quality of the facility meets the highest standards. We officially launched the final stage this year during a ceremonial event attended by the President of the Czech Republic.
The entire facility is secured and access is subject to struct safety protocols. That’s rather uncommon in the Czech Republic, isn’t it? Or am I wrong? And what else makes it unique?
Yes, we are the first private proving ground in the Czech Republic with TISAX certification, operating at a high level of confidentiality. We take security very seriously – the entire site spans over 120,000 square meters, and every vehicle and person is carefully checked. What makes the AUREL Proving Ground truly unique is the combination of diverse test tracks and advances development facilities for cutting-edge automotive technologies. It also includes several obstacles designed for challenging vehicle tests. Those you won’t find anywhere else. Facilities like this are still very rare in our region.
AUREL Proving Ground is more than just a test track. What happens behind the scenes, beyond the walls you can’t see from the outside?
Let me give an example of airbag testing: the manufacturer brings in a test vehicle along with the testing parameters they want to evaluate. We then conduct the crash tests, collect the data, repair the vehicle, and Consult with the customer based on the test results and our years of experience. This way, the customer receives not only the raw data, but also a detailed report based on our know-how. They don’t need to find a separate testing team, location, or equipment, everything is available under one roof with us.
You value an individual approach to each customer. Who is your typical client?
Yes, we truly value our clients. And because we’ve been working with them for over 25 years, we really understand their needs. I’d say our people take a very personal and proactive approach to problem solving – and that’s both our main motivation and a significant competitive advantage. Our key parter is the Volkswagen Group, especially Škoda Auto. But we also collaborate with other global car manufacturers and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers across the entire automotive industry. These are companies from all over Europe and beyond. You’ll see a variety of brands here, from German to Asian.
How does AUREL Proving Ground compare to similar facilities in neighbouring Germany?
Compared to Germany, we offer several key advantages – lower prices, a wide range of services, and high flexibility. Another important factor is accessibility – we’re just an hour drive from the German border. Many companies based in Germany have development Teams in the Czech Republic, but they still have to travel back to Germany for testing. For them, it clearly makes sense to test with us – it is faster, and more cost-effective. And I’m talking about major players in the automotive industry as well.
How do you support foreign companies that want to rent the test track?
AUREL Proving Ground is unique and multifunctional centre where companies can find everything in one place. We also assist them with accommodation and logistics. International clients are always impressed by the beauty of the surrounding nature – the Kokořínsko and Máchův kraj regions are among the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic. This is one of the reasons why Škoda Auto chose us as the venue for the premiere of its new sporty electric vehicle, the Škoda Elroq RS.
AUREL Proving Ground is the first private test track in the Czech Republic that is open not only to car manufactures but also to other entities.
That’s right, we organise various types of unconventional events both private and public. These include adrenaline-filled teambuilding sessions, safe driving courses and training, workshop, conferences, and presentation events. In May, ARVAL showcased its vehicles here, followed by Škoda Auto. We are open to collaboration with startups and universities, and we regulary host student projects and educational events for the public. More events are coming – motorcycle training courses, activities focused on promoting electromobility, and rescue services training programs.
And what about electric and autonomous cars? Is their testing different from conventional cars?
The basic scenarios remain the same – electric vehicles must handle the same obstacles, terrain, and weather conditions. However, they feature different drive systems, weight distribution, and driving characteristics, which makes their testing more extensive. Autonomous vehicles, on the other hand, require entirely new types of testing, for example responses to unexpected situations or operation in simulated environments. And that’s exactly why we built AUREL Proving Ground, to enable both us and our customers to meet the challenges of today’s mobility.
And what do you think is the biggest challenge for European carmakers today?
Chinese companies claim they will bring autonomous vehicles to market faster and cheaper. Of course, time will tell how good the quality really is. However, European carmakers are under enormous pressure – they must develop new vehicles faster, more affordable, and still meet high quality standards and customer expectations. As a result, the volume of testing has significantly increased. That’s exactly why we’re developing a digital twin of the AUREL Proving Ground. A virtual replica that enables companies to conduct much broader testing, saving them a lot of time and money in the process
Zdroj: Škoda Auto a.s.
And what are you plans for the future?
We’re focusing on developing the virtual side of the polygon. We aim to launch its digital twin later this year. We’re building new test obstacles, additional off-road tracks, and new driving scenarios. We closely follow trends that pose major challenges for the automotive industry, such as AI, big data, and new types of mobility. And we’re learning how to leverage these trends as efficiently as possible. We’re proud that AUREL Proving Ground puts us alongside the major players and keeps us competitive in the European automotive space. And we’re doing everything we can to make sure it stays that way.
Thank you for the interview and wishing you success with all your plans.
