Stellantis, the global auto giant, is facing significant financial pressures, prompting the company to sell its iconic Arizona Proving Grounds, a test track purchased by Chrysler in 2006.
Cease All Activities
The track, located in Arizona’s Mojave Desert, will cease all activities at the end of the year, Stellantis confirmed in a statement to Motor1 according to Boosted.
Known for its extreme temperature testing capabilities, this track has served as a valuable asset for testing new vehicles and aerodynamics across 1,600 acres of rugged desert terrain.
The Arizona Proving Grounds has a long history of automotive testing, originally established for Chrysler, before the brand became part of the Stellantis conglomerate in 2021.
With its remote desert location, the facility was ideal for testing vehicles under high-temperature conditions, and for nearly two decades, it has been instrumental in pushing the limits of vehicle endurance and performance.
Impact 70 Employees
The closure and sale of the Arizona site will impact around 70 employees who reside nearby with their families.
Stellantis plans to assist these employees in their transitions, offering relocation packages and support to help them secure new employment and housing. However, the company has not disclosed the full financial details of the sale or its impact on future testing programs.
Stellantis, formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, faces mounting challenges as it navigates global economic pressures and a shifting automotive market.
This includes CEO Carlos Tavares’ recent warnings about potentially closing entire car brands within the conglomerate if financial performance does not improve.
While Stellantis bids farewell to Arizona Proving Grounds, it will continue testing at its Michigan-based Chelsea Proving Grounds.
However, since Chelsea lacks Arizona’s high-temperature conditions, Stellantis has negotiated a lease agreement with Toyota to use its desert testing facility in the Mojave, ensuring the company maintains access to a comparable testing environment.
