Inside The Mind Of An Automotive Geek

Japanese automaker Mazda recently announced that they have just completed the expansion of their Mine Proving Ground. No, they do not have a facility to test if their vehicles can withstand mines. It is called Mine proving Ground because it is located in Mine City, Yamauchi Prefecture in western Japan. The test ground was expanded so that they can better test their vehicles before they are mass produced and distributed around the world.

The Auto Channel reported that with the expansion, the Mine Proving Ground now has a skid pad. This will be used to test how good can a vehicle turn at a high speed. With the use of these tests, Mazda can develop even nimbler cars than what they have today. The testing ground also has a free flat course where the top speed of vehicles will be put to the test. A winding track is also added to the facility which will of course be used to determine how nimble Mazda cars are.

Among those present at the opening of the testing grounds are the mayor of Mine City, Mazda's senior executive officer in charge of R&D, Seita Kanai, and other Mazda officials.

Seita Kanai had this to say at the ceremony: "By completing these enhancements to the Mine Proving Ground we are now able to conduct more comprehensive testing to further improve the performance and safety levels of our vehicles. I am confident this will help us to enhance the desirability of Mazda’s cars. As we move forward, Mazda aims to harmonize driving pleasure with environmental and safety features and develop Zoom-Zoom car manufacturing as part of our efforts for a sustainable future. We will continue to offer cars that excite the senses and embody Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom promise that our vehicles ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again."