The Motor Industry Research Association's Proving Ground

Abstract

In this paper are discussed the reasons for, and some of the problems involved, in establishing a co-operative vehicle proving ground. It records details of the facilities which have been provided by the Motor Industry Research Association (M.I.R.A.) in recent years for the British motor industry. These facilities include roadways and tracks simulating, in permanent form, conditions existing in the overseas territories to which British vehicles are exported in very large quantities. There are also a number of features which, when used in conjunction with instruments and apparatus specially developed and built by M.I.R.A. and by various member firms of the Association, enable systematic studies to be made of performance characteristics in a more satisfactory manner than is otherwise possible.

Although the conception of a co-operative proving ground for a very competitive industry was viewed, initially, with apprehension by many firms, the establishment is now in continuous use by manufacturers of all types of vehicle and component. It is playing a vital part in the development of greatly improved vehicles, particularly for operation overseas.