The first phase of the automotive test track in Zalaegerszeg is completed - VIDEO REPORT
2019. 05. 21.
It has just been a year since the foundation stone was laid and the first module of the construction works on the ZalaZone complex automotive proving ground is now completed. The reception building, the technical building as 'headquarters' for the test track users, the dynamic surface, the manoeuvrability course, and the course section for the brake tests, which has eight different driving surfaces, have been complemented with the initial 5 hectares of smart city, which will simulate urban traffic conditions. The second phase, and thus the entire project will be finished by 2020.
The automotive test track of ZalaZone, covering an area of 265 hectares nearby Zalaegerszeg, is an investment of regional and continental significance. Independent test tracks of such complexity are considered unique even at European level. Another curiosity of the project lies in its capacity to provide testing opportunities both for conventional vehicles and self-driven or electric cars. In addition, the development extends beyond the closed simulation environment. Building on an agreement with Austria and Slovenia, developers may use test roads beyond the country borders to enable car tests in border-crossing infrastructures.
The ceremony for the delivery of the first phase of the test track also celebrated the first-time demonstration of different manoeuvres with self-driven cars through 5G network communication, in a Hungarian real-life simulating environment. Alongside Magyar Telekom, T-Systems Hungary, Ericsson Hungary, Vodafone, the Budapest University of Technology and iMar Navigation, technological presentations and shows were made, among others, by thyssenkrupp and Knorr-Bremse. As a final stage of the event, a cooperation agreement was concluded between ZalaZone and the Austrian AVL, which is running an automotive engineering centre in Hungary.
The importance of Zalaegerszeg has been continuously growing, given that to the complex test track, which is suitable for testing conventional and driverless cars alike, the new M76 expressway will be attached soon, which will also serve as a smart road, in a manner unique all over Europe. Solar cells integrated into the carriageway will ensure power supply for electronic panels and lamps, they will enable the charging, without cable, of electric cars passing by but the test track will also be suitable for driving at a speed attaining 260 km/hour. In addition, an inter-modal container terminal linked to ports and railways will also be established in the proximity of the industrial park. In parallel with the test track construction, 5G network infrastructure is installed in the town and its surroundings to enable the fast and efficient communication of the vehicles and the Smart City network.
