Today’s AUREL Proving Ground is one of the most modern facilities in the Czech Republic for testing and validating automotive technologies. Few people would guess, however, that technical history was already being written at this very location more than seventy years ago. Join us as we look back at the transformation that has taken place over recent years – turning a strictly classified military research site into a testing ground where autonomous vehicle technologies and electromobility are now being developed and validated.
1950–1990: The era of military research
The history of the site dates back to the 1950s, when it was established as a strictly secret research centre of the Czechoslovak Army. For several decades, until the 1990s, it served a single purpose – demanding research, development and testing of advanced military technology.
The site was initially known as the Tank Research and Testing Station, later as the Scientific Research Tank Proving Ground, and from the 1960s it operated under the name Research and Testing Centre 020 (VZS 020). It was a facility of critical importance to the state at the time and was directly subordinated to the Ministry of National Defence.
At the heart of VZS 020 worked the country’s leading military engineers, mechanics and technicians, who focused on intensive development and testing of technology. They refined key components such as powertrains and suspension systems and were the first to evaluate prototypes of new military equipment. Demanding driving tests across various types of terrain were carried out to assess stability, range and fuel consumption. The proving ground was also used to test vehicle resistance to gunfire and explosions.
Its strategic importance was the reason for strict secrecy. Access was granted exclusively to authorised military personnel, and the area was continuously guarded. To ensure full self-sufficiency, the site was equipped with extensive infrastructure. In addition to test tracks, it included well-equipped workshops, specialised laboratories, large garages and its own energy sources. Discreet transport of equipment was ensured by a dedicated railway siding.
In 2005, the army left the site. The place where military innovations had been created for decades fell silent for a time.
A new opportunity for the proving ground: how the reconstruction took place
The idea of building on the site’s original research tradition began to take shape at AUREL with the arrival of a new era in automotive development – autonomous vehicles and electromobility. Such development and testing require first-class facilities, which we decided to create precisely here. In 2018, we launched an ambitious redevelopment project. What followed was a comprehensive reconstruction that prepared the site for the 21st century.
First steps towards a modern proving ground
After years of inactivity, nature had reclaimed much of the area, so the first step was extensive land clearance. This was followed by design and planning work. The year 2019 was dedicated to modernising utility networks, demolishing buildings that no longer fit the new concept, and above all renovating those intended for future use.
With the first completed facilities, initial tests could begin as early as 2020. The proving ground also came to life with its first projects in vehicle storage and care (PLT) and pallet storage (PLO).
In 2021, a climate chamber was installed, expanding testing capabilities to extreme temperature conditions. The site attracted the attention of the Škoda Auto Board of Management, and long-term durability testing projects were launched at full scale.
Opening to the public
During 2022, construction began on Phase 1 of the road infrastructure, including inclines. This phase was completed in June 2023. By that time, the site was equipped with specialised surfaces, a skid pad, a central track, a water channel and charging stations. This enabled the launch of customer testing as well as AUREL’s own safe driving training programmes.
The year 2024 marked Phase 2, which included construction of the high-speed oval and an underpass with a bridge. While customer testing and durability testing continued and new clients joined, we also explored additional uses of the site. The proving ground began hosting its first events, teambuildings and commercial activities.
The present day
By 2025, the site is fully operational, with new prototypes being tested for clients. We host successful events such as the Arval Electromobility Day, the launch of the Škoda Elroq, the ViL Tour expert conference, and many others. Safe driving training continues to be an important part of our activities. The former military proving ground has thus definitively become one of the most important innovation and testing centres in the country.
At the same time, we continue to connect today’s success with the site’s historical legacy. Since 2022, we have regularly hosted a spring gathering of veterans from Břehyně. On these occasions, people who once worked at the site during its military era return after many years. In their memories, they often mention not only the past, but also their pride in the research itself and their enthusiasm that meaningful testing and development has finally returned to the proving ground.
Would you like to see the proving ground with your own eyes? (Or even experience it on your own tyres?) We also offer the site for corporate events, teambuildings and unforgettable driving experiences. Get in touch with us and we will be happy to open the gates to a place where the future of mobility is being tested.
