The facility will have all types of surface to test vehicles on varying terrains and stringency. The mandate of NATRAX proving ground is to offer world-class testing and evaluation services catering for all categories of vehicles from 2 and 3 wheelers to heavy commercial vehicles.  NATRAX will also emerge as a Centre of Excellence for Vehicle Dynamics catering to the design and development activities of OEMs and tyre manufacturers in the country and abroad with the capability to undertake testing and R&D projects in the area for optimization of ride and handling, chassis and suspension tuning, full vehicle characterization, modelling and simulation etc.  The test tracks at NATRAX, which are meant primarily for R&D tests for automotive and auto component sector, can also be used for homologation tests. These test tracks are open air laboratories with stringent specifications and quality control to meet International standards.

NATRiP has planned an expenditure of about INR1,300 Crores to create this world class facility. Facilities at the center include R&D Tracks (Proving Ground) for NVH, fatigue and other performance testing, vehicle dynamics lab (Center of Excellence) and powertrain lab for development tests. NATRAX will be the largest automotive proving ground in Asia and one of the largest in the world.

The facility is a boon to the tyre industry for benchmarking of performance of their tyres.  It has also come in the right time when the concept of ‘Tyre Labeling’ has come into force with introduction of new standards for tyres viz., rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling noise emission parameters.

Facilities

NATRAX proving ground consists of 14 different types of test tracks viz., high speed track, dynamic platform, multi friction braking track, fatigue track, gradient track, gravel and off road track, handling track, comfort track, handling track for 2&3 wheelers, sustainability track, wet skid pad, noise track, general road along with dust tunnel, water wading trough, salted water wading trough, shower test rig etc. for comprehensive testing and evaluation, research & development and certification  of vehicles.

NATRAX also contains state-of-the-art vehicle dynamics lab and power train lab complimented by CAE Lab, instrumentation lab, client workshops and general storage building as support facilities.  The vehicle dynamics lab houses one of its kind facility in the country i.e. Kinematics and Compliance (K&C) Test rig for measurement of suspension parameters and damper test rig, elastomer test rig & steering test rig for measurement of performance of components, which can be used for mathematical modelling and prediction of performance using CAE tools and improve ride and handling characteristics in automobiles.  The power train Lab contains a Chassis Dynamometer coupled with Emission measurement system capable of benchmarking and testing compliance to emission norms of India, US, CARB, EPA, EURO and Japanese regulations.

Test capabilities

Tracks: Dynamic Platform : This is of 300 m diameter platform connected by 1.5 km long track of width varying from 20 m to 100 m with zero percent longitudinal slope designed with stringent evenness specifications.   This is the unique facility where High speed manoeuvrability and roll over stability of vehicles can be tested to the limits on this track.

Multi Friction Braking Track: This track has four different test surfaces like basalt tiles, ceramic tiles, polished concrete and high friction asphalt to offer varying friction values from low to high values.  Braking tests at 160 kmph, ABS tests with one side wheels on low friction and other side wheels on high friction surface, tyre development tests are undertaken on this track.  The track has facility to wet the surfaces uniformly through water sprinklers to undertake wet braking tests.  The track has also a special track on the side to test aqua planning.

Fatigue Track: This track has various torture track surfaces like pave track, pot holes, ditches, wash boards, herringbones, cobblestones, rough roads, splash road,  twist road etc for accelerated endurance testing of vehicles.  The track has two circuits one of low severity for testing upto cars and LCV’s and the other of high severity for testing buses and trucks.

Handling Track: This track is of 3.6 km length and 8 m width and has got serpentine curves of different radius varying from 20 m to 300 m and also with up and down gradients, reverse camber etc for testing high speed manoeuvrability / stability and road grip of vehicles on curves.

Handling Track for 2 and 3 Wheelers: There is a dedicated handling track for 2 and 3 wheelers of 1.5 km length and 5 m width with radii varying from 8 m to 20 m.

Gradient Track: The track has seven different gradients with percentage varying from 6 % to 30 % (6,8,12,18,20,24 & 30) for testing gradeability and parking brake capability of different vehicles.  All the tracks except 24 and 30 % have low friction surfaces also on the sides of gradients for testing vehicles with traction control systems.

Gravel and Off-Road Track: The track is of two loops of 3.5 km length and 5 m width each, the first loop with various gravels and the other with different forest / off – road patches like cross country, village roads, mud bowls, sand patches, mounds, steps, cants, twist ditches etc to assess the  mobility and durability of off-road vehicles.

Comfort Track: The comfort track contains different surfaces like smooth/rough asphalt, smooth/rough concrete, smooth/rough pave, wash boards, steps, cleats, bridge joints, village roads etc to assess the ride comfort in different road surfaces on different loads and speeds.

Sustainability Track: The sustainability track is built over a hill with uniform slope of 8 % over a length of 800 m and of 7 m width to assess the cooling performance of vehicles and also to test the effectiveness of retarders, transmission etc.

Wet Skid Pad: This track has been specially designed with combination of low and high friction surfaces of basalt tiles / asphalt combination on the circular pads with radius varying from 20 to 35 m to test wet cornering capabilities of tyres and vehicles.

Noise Track: The noise track has a unique feature with two different test patches complying with ISO 1994 and 2014 standards with acceleration and deceleration length of 350 m on both sides to be able to test the pass by noise levels of vehicles as per National/Inter-national standards.

High Speed Track: This is of oval shape and will be one of the largest in the world with total circuit length of 11.3 km and 16 m width.  The straight portion of the track is of 2.1 km length and the curved section of the track is of parabolic shape designed for testing at  250 kmph on curves as though travelling on straight roads.  A wide range of tests viz., high speed endurance tests, fuel consumption tests, coast down tests, noise & vibration measurements etc are undertaken on this track.  The construction of this track has been completed recently.

Labs

Vehicle Dynamics  Lab: There is a modern Test rig named Kinematics & Compliance (K&C) Test Rig in the Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory for testing suspension parameters  of Cars and LCV’s which can be used for mathematical modelling and prediction of performance using CAE tools and improve ride and handling characteristics in automobiles.   This is a unique facility in the country which the Indian automobile manufacturers have started using now  before which these  measurements were done abroad on their vehicles.  The lab also contains component test facilities such as damper test rig, elastomer test rig and steering test rigs for performance characterization and durability assessment.

Emission Test Lab: The Power Train Lab contains a Chassis Dynamometer to simulate road loads coupled with Emission measurement system capable of benchmarking and testing of cars and LCV ‘s for compliance to emission norms of India, US, CARB, EPA, EURO and Japanese regulations.

Current status

The Vehicle Dynamics Lab and Power Train Lab along with Client Workshops for support have already been commissioned and are being used by the Industry.  All 13 test tracks except the  High-speed track have  also  been completed already and  are  in use by the Industry.  As regards the high-speed track, the works  have been completed recently and its formal inauguration is awaited. (TT)

NATRAX discusses Budget impact on auto industry

The National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX), one of the state-of-the-art testing and certification centres under NATRiP, and a flagship project of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Govt of India, recently discussed the impact of India’s Union Budget 2021-22 in the country’s automotive industry. The webinar was attended by customers of NATRAX/auto industry professionals. The purpose was to make the auto industry professionals aware of the new avenues proposed in this budget for the growth of the auto industry.

The expectation from the Union Budget speech was very high, especially as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had promised to deliver a "first of its kind" and historic budget, the delegates observed.

NATRAX welcomed and appreciated the budget. There were seven presentations presented in the webinar wherein the speakers shared their knowledge on the budget pertaining to the auto industry and emphasised how NATRAX can support the requirements of testing and certification.

Dr N. Karuppaiah, Additional Director & Head, NATRAX delivered the welcome address and presented an overview of the budget focusing on six pillars- Health and Wellbeing, Physical & Financial Capital, and Infrastructure, Inclusive Development for Aspirational India, Reinvigorating Human Capital, and Minimum Government and Maximum Governance, of this budget.  He also highlighted the subjects relevant to Auto Industry and outlined the plans of NATRAX orienting to the Budget as under.

Sagar Bendre, Asst. The manager (T&D) at NATRAX, presented his paper on Budget Allocation for Highway Infrastructure.The proposed investment, he said, will boost construction equipment sales and the heavy truck and tipper industry and eventually also result in better demand from the rural and wage-earning community in the country. "Highways are coming up at a rapid pace, and accordingly, the crash barriers are also being installed along the highways. To maintain quality and standard requirements, specification in the crash barrier testing will be an important contribution from NATRAX. NATRAX is now known for the crash barrier testing facility. This is a unique test facility which NATRAX has performed independently and indigenously," said Bendre.

This year’s budget has allocated INR 18,000 crore to support augmentation of bus transport services for public.  Srihari SJ, Asst Manager (T&D), NATRAX, said this scheme will facilitate deployment of innovative PPP models to enable private sector players to finance, acquire, operate and maintain over 20,000 buses.  “The scheme will boost automotive sector, provide fillip to economic growth, create employment opportunities for youth and enhance ease of mobility for urban residents,” said Srihari. 

The emerging electric vehicles mobility paradigm is an important opportunity to foster Make–in-India for the advanced chemistry cells or EV batteries and their components, said Umesh Raghuwanshi, Asst. Manager (T&D) of NATRAX. Speaking on EV infrastructure, Raghuwanshi said, "GOI is providing modified special incentive package scheme and tax incentives that will help develop the indigenous testing and development ecosystem. Towards this NATRAX is working on the EV battery testing and development facility to work for the prospective EV makers to become self-reliant in the field of battery technology reducing the dependence on the import from China, Thailand and Japan."

"The budget outlay for the MSME sector has been doubled compared to last year. MSME dominates the auto component industry, and this will provide them with the necessary succour as the industry recovers," said Tulika Mazumdar, Sr. Engineer (P&TC) at NATRAX. He said start-ups in the automobile and allied industries can get immensely benefitted from NATRAX as the centre is equipped with state-of-the-art test tracks supplemented by the test laboratories for the components and system-level tests.

The government has also allocated INR 50,000 crore for National Research Foundation in this budget. JK Chakrabarty, Technical Advisor, said, "NATRAX, in association with prospective OEMs, will be working out projects in the areas of vehicle dynamics, Electric vehicle battery technology and vehicle testing. Suitable projects will be taken up in association with the National Research Foundation for funding. (TT)

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Tegeta Green Planet, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised an information and practical campaign titled ‘Don’t Throw It Away, Hand It In’ in Poti. Held on 29 October at a Tegeta Motors branch, the initiative sought to strengthen environmental responsibility and promote proper management of specific waste streams.

The campaign targeted local residents, vehicle owners, drivers and private sector representatives, encouraging their active involvement in waste management. Attendees learned about the environmental impact of automotive waste and correct disposal methods. A dedicated collection point at the branch allowed residents to hand in end-of-life tyres, used batteries and waste oils, offering a practical way to contribute to environmental protection through everyday actions.

A significant focus was placed on raising awareness about the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, including the role of EPR organisations, collection and subsequent management of specific waste streams and importers’ legally established obligations. Symbolic gifts encouraged participation. Tegeta Green Planet and UNDP continue to implement regional environmental campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at raising public awareness, fostering responsible waste management and promoting circular economy principles.

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Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport EVO has earned two independent test accolades, strengthening the tyre maker’s standing in the ultra-high-performance segment. The double success spans a victory in What Car?’s summer tyre test and a Recommended award from evo.

In What Car?’s evaluation of 11 summer tyres, the Potenza Sport EVO ranked first. Fitted to a Volvo XC60, it drew praise for predictable handling and secure performance in wet and dry conditions, along with communicative steering suited to a premium performance tyre.

The What Car? results also underscored tyre choice’s safety implications. In wet braking, the Bridgestone stopped 7.3 metres shorter than the Goodride competitor. The publication concluded that the Potenza Sport EVO justified its higher price, highlighting the value of investing in quality tyres.

The evo test delivered further recognition. The Potenza Sport EVO finished second overall but secured the Recommended award and was arguably the standout performer across individual disciplines, taking five first-place finishes. It earned top subjective ratings for polished, effortless behaviour, excelled in wet grip, traction and stability and set the fastest handling-course time, becoming the only tyre to break 51 seconds.

Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director, Bridgestone UK, said, "To achieve such outstanding results in two highly respected independent tyre tests is a fantastic endorsement of the Potenza Sport EVO and the engineering that has gone into its development. Winning the What Car? test against 10 other competitors, while also securing evo's Recommended Award and five individual test victories, demonstrates the tyre's exceptional breadth of capability. These results reflect exactly what we set out to achieve with the Potenza Sport EVO; delivering outstanding performance, control and confidence in a wide range of driving conditions. It's hugely rewarding to see that recognised by independent experts."

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Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has expanded its UK commercial service network by acquiring G & S Tyres Ltd, a move that also brings a modern retreading facility in the London metropolitan area into the group. The deal advances Citira's push towards a national UK footprint, building on its recent purchase of Redpath Tyres in Scotland and its entry into UK market earlier this year via Tyrefix Group.

G&S's local knowledge, solid reputation and retreading strengths align closely with Citira's circular tyre management model, which covers retreading, rim refurbishment and fleet logistics and is already well established across the Nordics and Poland. The East London site is strategically positioned and employs around 45 people.

A two-generation family firm with more than four decades of service to UK customers, G&S will keep trading under its own name with its existing team. Gary, James and Billy Short will stay involved in the business and take shareholdings in the Citira Group.

Oliver Johnson, Head of UK at Citira, said, “G&S Tyres has earned a strong reputation across the UK through its reliability, service quality and close relationships with the fleets and customers it supports. That reputation provides an excellent foundation for the next stage of growth. Following our acquisition of Redpath Tyres in Scotland, G&S is a further step in our ambition to build a national commercial tyre service network with the best people and businesses in the UK.”

Gary Short, speaking on behalf of the Short family, said, “We are very happy to join a group whose ambitions for the UK align so well with our own. Citira is a great home for G&S and gives us the right platform to support the next generation, spearheaded by James and Billy, as they continue to grow and improve the business.”

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Hankook Tyre UK will exhibit on Stand B40 at RTX Scotland, which returns to Glasgow's SEC on 18–19 November 2026 after a successful 2025 debut. The two-day event brings the road transport industry together for innovation, expertise and networking, and Hankook will showcase its extensive portfolio of Hankook and Laufenn commercial vehicle tyres, designed to meet the evolving demands of today's transport operators.

Bigger than last year, the Glasgow show completes a three-market line-up alongside RTX's flagship Stoneleigh event and its Irish show, bringing the same truck-focused approach to audiences across the UK and Ireland. More than 80 exhibitors, from major truck manufacturers and trailer producers to tyre specialists and workshop suppliers, will take part, with over 7,000 visitors expected to explore developments, attend expert-led seminars, workshops and tech talks, and connect with key professionals.

At the heart of the stand, the SmartFlex range addresses regional and long-distance transport. The AL51 for steering and all-position duties and the DL51 for drive axles deliver up to 20 percent lower rolling resistance on long-haul routes than their predecessors, with consistent performance throughout service life, while the AH51 and DH51 offer dependable grip and braking for regional haulage. All can be regrooved and retreaded to maximise tyre life and cost efficiency. Hankook will also present the 315/80R22.5 Smart Work AM11+ for on- and off-road front-steer operations, the AM15+ all-position tyre, the TH31 all-season trailer tyre, the TH51 with Hidden Groove technology and the Vantra ST AS2 van tyre.

Laufenn, Hankook's associated brand, will display its growing commercial vehicle portfolio, including the Laufenn365 initiative, the LR01 and LR02 for on- and off-road applications, the LR53 drive tyre and the X Fit Van 4S. Drawing on Hankook's development expertise, Laufenn combines value, performance and full retreadability to help cost-conscious fleets manage operating costs and environmental impact. With solutions spanning heavy-duty regional haulage, long-distance transport, mixed-service operations and light commercial vehicles, Hankook's presence lets visitors explore products tailored to their needs and connect directly with the team.

James Misselbrook, UK Truck & Bus National Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “RTX Scotland provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fleets, operators and industry partners, and we're excited to be returning for a second year. The event comes at a significant time for Hankook, as we showcase some of the first 385/65R22.5 trailer tyres produced at our new European TBR manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary. This major investment underlines our long-term commitment to the European market and reinforces our ability to deliver innovative, high-performance tyre solutions that help fleets maximise efficiency and profitability."

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