Today’s AUREL Proving Ground is located on the grounds of what was once the Military Research Institute. Each year, former employees of the institute reunite at the site. This May was no exception, as eighteen veterans from Břehyně came together in a friendly atmosphere for the traditional gathering. Over the years, they have had the opportunity to watch the changes of the area, and this year, for the first time, they were able to see the fully completed proving ground. So what impression did the visit leave on them?
Modern testing facility now stands on a site rich in history
The construction of today’s AUREL Proving ground took several years, and in April, the final phase was officially opened, with Czech president Petr Pavel in attendance. The result is cutting-edge development and Innovation centre for testing technologies, vehicles, and components. Leading Czech and international car manufacturers now test their products here. Before, it was a site of military research, today it iis used as an area for automotive industry.
A meeting of past and future
During this year’s tour, the veterans fondly recalled how the site looked years ago. They enjoyed the visit around the full test track and the outdoor work areas. All were impressed by the transformation of the site and appreciated that the new facility continues in the spirit of its original mission – testing and research. They spent a long time reminiscing about what once stood where, who worked in which building, and everything they experienced here.
The gathering was especially nostalgic for many, as no other events connected to the former research institute are held anymore. ‘We are deeply grateful to be part of this new project, to be invited back, and for the time you dedicated to us‘, the veterans told AUREL’s staff. They all agreed that research and development remain just as fascinating today as it was back then.
The veterans brought their stories back to life
They looked through a historical chronicle and rare photographs from both official events and personal moments. Some of the veterans spent most of their lives at Břehyně and still look back on it with appreciation. There was a nostalgic talk, for example about how many blueberries and cranberries used to grow in the forests.
‘As every year, the atmosphere was warm and full of nostalgia. It felt like visiting a grandmother telling stories from her life. The veterans appreciated that the site is still alive and continues the tradition of research. I was fascinated by how some of them said they were sad they could not even go mushroom picking here once the military left the site in 2005‘, shared AUREL employee Lenka Jizbová.
The AUREL team values the opportunity to build on the research legacy with respect
AUREL employees also value the site’s continued legacy of research and innovation. ‘We are happy that we can continue in the legacy of research. It is a feeling we genuinely share with the former employees of the institute,‘ said one of the employees.
‘It is interesting how some of their memories still resonate with our work. The work we do here is not exactly traditional, but in many ways, it is very engaging and unique. You need to have a connection to this place, and that is what connect us across generations and time‘, added another team member.
Regular veteran reunions are not the only event hosted by AUREL. The private testing proving ground is fully equipped for a variety of corporate events. From private gatherings and professional training courses to teambuilding programs. It offers programs to strengthen team spirit and create unforgettable moments behind the wheel.
Would you like to see the same testing grounds where leading carmakers test their vehicles? Give us a call and we will be happy to plan something with you.
