Nissan Motor is to build an 8.1-kilometre (about five mile) high-speed circuit at its Hokkaido Proving Ground in Rikubetsu, Hokkaido. The addition of the new high-speed circuit will create Nissan’s longest test-track facility in the world.


The new circuit, which is modelled after a normal expressway consisting of continuous variable slopes and curves, will be completed in August 2006. It will enable the carmaker to conduct comprehensive product testing, ranging from ordinary road driving to ultra high-speed driving.


The circuit will also be used to conduct research on driving behavior, driver support systems and ITS (intelligent transport systems) technology.


The Hokkaido proving ground opened in 1991 and already has a 7.2-km track that emulates driving conditions on suburban roads and circuit courses in Europe. Combined with the new high-speed circuit, the proving ground will total approximately 16 km.


Nissan’s two other proving grounds in Japan are located on the main island of Honshu. The Tochigi Proving Ground is 6.5 km long, while the Oppama Proving Ground in Kanagawa Prefecture is 2.4 km long. Nissan’s Arizona Testing Centre in the US, its only overseas proving ground, is 9.2 km long.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Rikubetsu in Hokkaido, Japan’s northern most island, is the coldest municipality in Japan. In winter, temperatures drop to –15C, making it ideal for cold-weather vehicle testing.