The Michelin European Technology Centre has acquired the “Fox Farm” artic test center in Ivalo, Finland, in order to “reinforce its testing and approval operations for winter tires for passenger cars, vans and trucks,” according to a Tyres & Accessories report.
Michelin has operated the site for more than 20 years on an exclusive basis, regularly carrying out its testing and approval operations for winter tires there. According to the company, the purchase guarantees Michelin can control its own test equipment and “top up” its winter testing resources, which range from Alpine passes to the Finnish plains, as well as indoor infrastructures.
Ivalo was selected for its “extreme climatic conditions” and the quality of the snow, which has a different consistency to Alpine snow.
Located nearly 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the Fox Farm covers roughly 150 acres, including 50 acres of track featuring a snow test track; five platforms for longitudinal testing (braking and acceleration); two ice tracks; four circular tracks for testing transversal grip; and one 8% ramp dedicated to start-up/acceleration tests.
