Chalmers gets green light for active traffic saftey test bed

Chalmers is now starting the construction of AstaZero, the Swedish traffic safety facility, togehter with SP, Technical Research Institute of Sweden. AstaZero will provide researchers and the European vehicle industry with the opportunity to conduct tests and undertake research into new solutions for active traffic safety, safer vehicles and reduced environmental impact. The facility will be completed in 2014.

The land has been purchased, the design has been completed and financing for future construction and operation is in place. "We have delivered an excellent solution, with the vehicle industry promising to support the track to such an extent that revenues have been secured for a considerable time to come. It is highly satisfying", says Maria Khorsand, Group Chief Executive of SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden.

The forecast is that there will be substantial uptake of the facility in the future as there are currently no options available for testing the intelligent safety systems that the vehicle industry is developing. AstaZero will be the first testing facility of its kind in the world, entirely focused on advanced safety. "In AstaZero, we are creating a new type of neutral research environment where researchers, businesses and other actors can meet. They can set new standards and learn together. I am convinced that this will establish an excellent basis for Swedish growth", says Chalmers' Vice Chancellor Karin Markides.

The facility will offer unique conditions in which to test initiatives and systems aimed at increasing safety for unprotected road-users such as pedestrians and cyclists.