Winter Testing Region

Automotive OEMs and automotive suppliers from all over the world come to Northern Sweden to take advantage of the sparsely populated areas with winter roads to test their vehicles and components in the subarctic cold climate. It's the competence of the local entrepreneurs, the stable cold climate, the cluster of test facilities within relatively short distance and the sparsely populated areas which are the most important assets.

Winter testing region - high technology and growth

Manufacturers of electronical systems have for long been the most frequent users of test activities. Tracks on frozen lakes are the basic product, but large investments have additionally been made in land-based tracks, garages, workshops, housing and offices.  For three decades the industry has evolved from a modest activity to an important industry in the region, with a greater element of high technology and growth. In essence, the cold climate testing activity is concentrated to the municipals of Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur and Älvsbyn and has been built up by enterprising and talented local entrepreneurs.

15 winter testing facilities

Winter testing operations in northern Sweden meet all development phases from the component tests to complete vehicle verification. Some tests, (e.g. tests of new prototypes) are conducted at confidential test facilities, while other tests are done on ordinary roads. In total, there are not less than about 15 winter testing facilities in the test region.

For more information regarding winter testing in Sweden please visit:

Swedish Proving Ground Association
Centre for Automotive Systems Technologies and Testing