Porsche takes over Nardo proving ground

Porsche has just announced they will be taking over the running of the Nardo proving ground in May. It’s not immediately clear if they have bought the facility or entered into a long-term management contract. Although, the former option seems a distinct possibility.

The warmer climate of southern Italy should allow for year-long use. Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Porsche AG, says Nardo’s 12.5km oval circuit and accompanying grounds will provide a welcome balance to existing facilities in Weissach.

“The Nardò proving ground with its high-speed and vehicle handling circuit ideally complements our facilities in Weissach. With the systematic development of the company in Nardò as part of Strategy 2018, Porsche is proving to be a reliable employer and business partner in Apulia as well,” said Müller.

Porsche Engineering takes over proving ground in Italy

Stuttgart/Nardò. In May 2012, the Porsche Engineering Group will be taking over responsibility for the Nardò Technical Center automotive proving ground in Apulia in southern Italy from Prototipo SpA. With more than 80 years experience in engineering services, the hundred per cent subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be further optimising the test facilities and making them available to its clients for testing and trials purposes. Covering an area of more than 700 hectares, the test ground in the Province of Lecce comprises a 6.2 kilometre long handling circuit, a 12.5 kilometre long oval circuit and facilities for simulating different road surfaces and changeable weather conditions.

“The Nardò proving ground with its high-speed and vehicle handling circuit ideally complements our facilities in Weissach. With the systematic development of the company in Nardò as part of Strategy 2018, Porsche is proving to be a reliable employer and business partner in Apulia as well,” said Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Porsche AG.

“With its rich array of facilities, from dynamic surfaces to acoustic and off-road sections coupled with the numerous workshops, our clients can continue to make extensive use of Nardò for their vehicle trials in the future as well,” said Malte Radmann, CEO of Porsche Engineering. Thanks to the mild climate, the Nardò proving ground can be used throughout the year in three shifts around the clock, seven days a week.

Together with the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach near Stuttgart, the Porsche Engineering Group has been offering Porsche’s extensive development expertise as a service to its clients from the automotive industry and other sectors worldwide, from renting test rigs to developing complete vehicles.