Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds
Type | Privately held company |
---|---|
Industry | Automotive proof testing |
Founded | 1990 |
Headquarters | Wanaka, New Zealand |
Parent | Gould Holdings Ltd |
Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG) is an international automotive proving facility based in New Zealand's Cardrona area. It also operates proving facilities in Sweden and Alaska since 2019. It is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with its second operation undergoing development in southern Patagonia, Argentina.[1] It covers 400ha of private land and usually operates during southern winter months. Global car manufacturers seek to test new models during the Northern Hemisphere summer. SHPG was established in the early 1990s, after Japanese motor companies Toyota and Sumitomo began inquiring for a suitable site for testing new engines and tyres in the southern snow.[2] The facility operates under strict discretion for other clients and employ efforts to keep out of the public eye.
SHPG also owns and borders the Snow Farm, a cross-country ski course. In 2013, SHPG bought neighbouring snowsports terrain park Snow Park NZ, which had for several years been financially struggling, and absorbed it into more SHPG ice driving centres.[3]
References[]
- ^ "Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground : World leading winter testing facility". www.shpg.co.nz. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
- ^ Rae, Sally (2015-12-12). "SHPG best in the business". Otago Daily Times Online News. Retrieved 2020-05-04.
- ^ "Snow Park sold to vehicle-testing neighbour". Otago Daily Times Online News. 2013-06-06. Retrieved 2020-05-04.
External links[]
- Companies of New Zealand
- Road test tracks
- Queenstown-Lakes District
- Automotive industry in New Zealand