(The Center Square) — Toyota has begun construction of a $50-million-plus expansion project at an Arizona testing facility.
The new amenities will include a 5.5-mile oval track, an off-road park, new ride and handling surfaces, as well as other improvements, Toyota announced. The changes are being made at Arizona Mobility Test Center at Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds. Toyota has owned this facility since 2021. It’s located in Wittmann, Arizona, approximately 60 miles from Phoenix.
AMTC at TAPG spans nearly 11,650 acres and features 77 miles of testing surfaces, as well as 60 miles of paved roads, according to a recent Toyota press release.
Toyota estimates the construction will be completed by the end of 2025.
“The new investment in Arizona signals the facility’s importance to Toyota,” said Stefan Young, vice president at Toyota Motor North America’s research and development.
“Site updates make it more attractive as an ideal place for companies to test new vehicle capabilities, including by Toyota for our own North American-developed vehicle line-up, thanks to the new and expanded development capabilities,” he added.
Toyota also said it plans to develop a future facility at AMTC at TAPG for advanced driver assistance technology.
The manufacturer has received bipartisan support from Arizona politicians for the project.
Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, said Arizona is “grateful” for the efforts Toyota is bringing to the state.
“This new investment in our state will spur economic growth and put us at the forefront of auto ingenuity,” she said.
State Rep. Leo Biasiucci, R-Lake Havasu City, also showed his appreciation to the Japanese-based company. He thanked Toyota for its continued investment in Arizona.
“As chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud that Toyota chose Arizona to call home,” Biasiucci said.
