A Chinese Auto Titan Eyeing Australia’s Historic Proving Ground

In a move that marks a significant chapter in the automotive industry, one of China’s largest vehicle manufacturers expresses interest in acquiring the historic Lang Lang Proving Ground. Previously owned by GM Holden, this sprawling 877-hectare (2167-acre) facility on Victoria’s Bass Coast stands as a testament to Australia’s rich automotive heritage.

The Legacy of Lang Lang

Opened in 1957 by General Motors, the Lang Lang Proving Ground played a pivotal role in developing countless Australian-made Holdens. It served as an essential hub for innovation and testing until GM ceased local manufacturing in September 2017, retiring the Holden brand entirely in 2020.

Transition to New Ownership

The proving ground found new ownership when Vietnamese automaker VinFast purchased it in September 2020 for $34 million. However, with VinFast exiting Australia shortly afterward, the property was put back on the market—a decision that has seen potential buyers circle ever since.

GWM’s Strategic Move

Enter Great Wall Motors (GWM), a Chinese automotive giant already familiar with Lang Lang’s layout through its former Holden chassis engineering expert, Rob Trubiani. GWM took up a temporary residency earlier this year to fine-tune its vehicles for Australian conditions, demonstrating keen interest in the site.

Nicole Wu, GWM’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), confirmed discussions around purchasing the proving ground: “Yes, we are considering it,” she said. “Even if we don’t buy it, we can still use it, but owning it would provide significant advantages.” The potential acquisition aligns with GWM’s strategy to enhance local product development and differentiate its vehicles in the Australian market.

The Value of Local Optimization

For GWM, Lang Lang offers not just physical space for testing but also access to invaluable expertise. Rob Trubiani’s knowledge is crucial, according to Ms. Wu: “Local optimization is important,” she remarked. “We have Rob Trubiani, and we are lucky to have him. He’ll help us understand what Australians require, allowing us to better tune our vehicles for the local market.”

A Future on Australian Roads

The acquisition could signify a new era for Lang Lang as GWM aims to integrate local insights into its vehicle development process. The first vehicles with chassis tuning overseen by Mr. Trubiani are expected to roll off production lines in China soon, potentially leading to enhanced driving experiences tailored to Australia’s unique conditions.

As negotiations continue, the automotive community watches with anticipation. A successful purchase would not only cement GWM’s commitment to the Australian market but also breathe new life into a site steeped in vehicular lore.

For further insights and updates on this evolving story, visit CarExpert.com.au (opens in new tab).

Original article sourced from: CarExpert.com.au