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)

Smithers, a renowned provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, has announced that its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation.

Operated on behalf of Discount Tyre, the facility’s accredited scope currently covers wet grip testing and tyre buffing, with plans to expand accreditation to include rolling resistance and pass-by-noise testing. The site boasts diverse paved and off-road test surfaces for comprehensive tyre performance validation. Additionally, it complies with UNECE Regulation No. 117 for Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise standards. This accreditation underscores Smithers' commitment to delivering high-quality testing services in the tyre industry.

Sean Connolly, Director of Test Track Operations at Smithers Winter Test Centre/Pearsall Test Track, said, “The tyre industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tyre. Understanding tyre performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tyre manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”

Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, North America, said, “We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation. Accurate data, on time, is central of the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”

Michelin, a leading tyre technology company, has launched its first Michelin Experience Store in India, in partnership with Bharat Tyres. The facility spread across 25,000 sqft is located in Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway, Nashik and is Michelin’s largest store in the country.

It is designed not only to provide a premium experience, but also showcases the company’s global legacy through the Michelin Wall. Customers will also be to experience the Heritage Wall that visualise the heritage of both Michelin and its local dealership partner.

The Michelin Experience Store also has a Display Zone that showcases Michelin’s innovations in electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility.

The dealership also includes service areas for cars and trucks, PPF coating, precision wheel alignment, advanced balancing services, innovative puncture repair solutions, professional car detailing and a wide array of car accessories. 

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers an immersive experience of the brand, of our dealer partners and of the technological prowess of our tyre solutions that are safe and sustainable. Nashik, a key hub with growing premium vehicle ownership, is the first of many such centres that will further strengthen our footprint in the western region while providing state-of-the-art experience and services to evolving customers.”

Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Omni United, has appointed Sami Jauhojärvi, Olympic gold medallist and one of Finland’s most celebrated cross-country skiers, as its official brand ambassador.

Jauhojärvi's sporting excellence – built on resilience, performance and a profound connection with nature – mirrors Radar Tyres' commitment to delivering premium-quality tyres across all seasons and terrains at accessible prices. The brand's comprehensive range includes Summer, All Season, Winter and specialist Ice tyres, designed to meet diverse driving needs with reliable performance.

This collaboration represents a strategic alignment as Radar Tyres expands its European and UK presence. Jauhojärvi will serve as brand ambassador, featuring in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives and local events while sharing his expertise to support Radar Tyres' mission of making high-performance tyres available to all drivers.

G S Sareen, Founder and CEO of Omni United, said, “We’re excited to welcome Sami to the Radar family. Sami’s authenticity, credibility and strong connection with his audience make him an ideal partner for us. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and performance – the same qualities we build into every Radar tyre. As we continue to grow our brand across Europe, partnerships like this play a key role in building deeper connections with consumers. We’re excited to build on this momentum with more such collaborations in the near future.”

Jauhojärvi said, “I am thrilled to represent Radar Tyres, a brand that has a remarkable mission to make premium quality and performance accessible to all and also has deep-rooted values of giving back to society via various initiatives it has undertaken over the years such as supporting breast cancer research. I’m sincerely surprised about the performance and silence of my Radar Tyres and happy to deliver this feedback to all the people.”

Kenda Tires is celebrating Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel's nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, recognising his legendary 49-year career as both a champion racer and community leader.

Since entering his first race at age 15 in 1977 at Crandon International Raceway, Vanden Heuvel has become one of off-road racing's most respected figures. His aggressive driving style earned him 20+ Pro-Class wins, five Crandon World Championships and a PRO-2 title. As owner of Flying Dutchman Racing, he mentored numerous drivers including his son Mikey, who secured Kenda Tires' historic first PRO-2 victory.

Beyond competition, Vanden Heuvel's greatest impact comes from his tireless community work. He co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing Association, created the Short Course Kart Series for young racers and established the MORR Injured Driver Fund with his wife Nancy. His hands-on approach – from building tracks to mentoring drivers – has shaped generations of off-road enthusiasts.

Now as Kenda Tires' Product Display Manager, Vanden Heuvel continues supporting the sport, assisting drivers across multiple series while representing Kenda at events nationwide. His dedication embodies the brand's values of community and passion for motorsports.

The formal induction ceremony will be held on 2 November 2025 in Las Vegas. This honour celebrates not just Vanden Heuvel's remarkable racing achievements but his enduring legacy as an ambassador who has profoundly influenced off-road culture.

Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA, said, “Dan is more than a legend – he is a mentor, a servant-leader and the beating heart of the off-road community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honoured to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”