UTAC has expanded its winter testing facility in Finnish Lapland with the launch of three new test tracks.
Situated 1100 kilometres north of Helsinki and 300 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, the Ivalo site is the northernmost winter proving ground in the world, offering manufacturers a unique environment to push vehicle performance to the limit in extreme cold conditions.
With facilities across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, UTAC supports manufacturers in addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving market. It specialises in crash testing, emissions compliance, electrification and autonomous technologies.
The latest additions to the Mellatracks proving ground include a 600 m x 40 m Snow Flat, designed for precise assessments of tyre performance and brake- and traction systems; a 200m diameter Snow and Ice Circle for refining handling, steering, and transmission performance; and a 1 750 m long Snow Handling Track, which enables engineers to conduct detailed, subjective evaluations of tyre performance and vehicle dynamics.
“These new tracks demonstrate our commitment to advancing the automotive industry by providing cutting-edge facilities that meet the demands of modern development timelines,” said Janne Seurujärvi, vice president – Finland at UTAC. “At UTAC Ivalo, we combine challenging Arctic conditions with controlled indoor environments, ensuring manufacturers can innovate and test year-round with unparalleled precision.”
Unlike traditional winter testing facilities limited to seasonal operation, UTAC Ivalo is equipped to offer sub-zero testing conditions throughout the year.
With 100 kilometres of outdoor tracks and an additional 1.2 kilometres of indoor tracks, the facilities enable vehicle and system evaluations in highly controlled environments, regardless of external weather conditions.
The indoor capabilities, in particular, not only allow manufacturers to reduce lead times but also provide critical flexibility in development schedules.
The Ivalo proving grounds are located just a 10-minute drive from Ivalo Airport, offering access for manufacturers and engineers bringing vehicles and equipment to the site. The surrounding region, with its Arctic environment and proximity to modern amenities, provides a backdrop for both intensive testing and customer events.
