NSW to Quadruple Size of Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre with $30 Million Expansion

The Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal, New South Wales, is set to undergo a significant transformation thanks to a $30 million investment from the NSW State Government. This substantial funding aims to quadruple the size of the existing facility, positioning it as a pivotal hub for advanced vehicle safety testing.

A Leap Forward in Testing Capabilities

Opened in 2019 on a former airstrip, the FMTRC currently serves as a crucial site for the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The facility is renowned for evaluating vehicles' autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems, lane-keep assist technologies, speed assist systems, and more. However, the expansion will introduce exciting new capabilities to the center.

The expansion will include the construction of a 4.4-kilometre loop track and a new heavy vehicle skid pad. These additions will enable the FMTRC to conduct more comprehensive testing, including high-speed highway scenarios and complex vehicle-to-vehicle systems. With the purchase of 100 hectares of adjacent farmland, the facility will be able to accommodate these advanced testing requirements.

Advancing Safety Technology and Testing

According to ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg, the expanded FMTRC will be crucial in achieving ANCAP’s 2030 vision. The upgraded facility will allow for the testing of emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-traffic signal communications and intricate vehicle-to-vehicle interactions. These advancements are essential for staying ahead of the curve in automotive safety.

“The capability expansion of the FMTRC site will be an integral part of ANCAP achieving our 2030 vision, enabling us to test and rate market segments not previously examined,” said Hoorweg. This development will address the growing need for confidence in vehicle safety as new technologies emerge.

Meeting Industry Needs

Transport for NSW, which will oversee the design and construction of the new track, is responding to feedback from manufacturers and industry experts. According to Evan Walker, Director of Future Mobility at Transport for NSW, the expansion aims to meet both community and government needs for enhanced vehicle safety.

“We’re acting on feedback directly from manufacturers, developers, and industry about the kind of facility they need,” Walker said. The new track will allow for rigorous testing of driver assist systems in real-world scenarios, including interactions between cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Regional Impact and Global Leadership

The expansion of the FMTRC not only promises to advance vehicle safety but also to position NSW as a global leader in road safety testing. Minister for Roads John Graham emphasized the importance of the new heavy vehicle testing space and its impact on future automotive safety standards.

“The need for a new heavy vehicle testing space in the southern hemisphere was a key finding from extensive engagement with vehicle manufacturers, developers, and researchers,” Graham said. The new facility will enable testing of heavy-laden B-doubles at highway speeds and other critical safety scenarios.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, highlighted the regional benefits of the expansion. “This expansion is an investment in regional NSW, and this cutting-edge facility attracts clients from across the globe,” Aitchison said. “Vehicle safety is a critical part of making our roads safer and independent modelling has shown that vehicle safety improvements have saved more than 700 lives over the past decade.”

Looking Ahead

With the FMTRC expansion set to commence construction in 2025, the upgraded facility will significantly enhance the testing of autonomous and advanced vehicle safety technologies. This initiative underscores NSW’s commitment to leading the way in road safety and ensuring that new safety features are rigorously tested and rapidly implemented.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve with new technologies, the expanded FMTRC will play a crucial role in shaping the future of vehicle safety, ultimately contributing to safer roads and saving lives.