The BMW Group has launched its new test site, the Future Mobility Development Center (FMDC), in Sokolov, Czechia. The site, which has received an investment of 300 million euros, will play a crucial role in the company’s future mobility development. With its state-of-the-art facilities, the FMDC will be used for fully automated development and test drives.

As the first of its kind in central Europe, the FMDC offers the ideal conditions for testing highly and fully automated driving and parking. The site complements the virtual simulation of driving situations and helps the BMW Group meet the highest safety standards. Other test sites operated by the company include locations in Aschheim near Munich, Miramas in France, and Arjeplog in Sweden.

Frank Weber, BMW Board Member for Development, explains that the FMDC allows for the testing of all possible driving conditions in a realistic and customer-oriented manner. Its 600-hectare land provides maximum flexibility and efficiency, enabling the continuous testing of various scenarios such as city driving, countryside driving, freeway driving, and automated parking.

The development of the test site also prioritized environmental protection and sustainability. BMW worked closely with specialized ecological construction monitoring to ensure that the highest standards were met. The FMDC is supplied with 100% green electricity from renewable sources, contributing to the overall decarbonization goals of the company. Furthermore, the site features an innovative water management system that collects rainwater for track irrigation. It also supports the local biodiversity by implementing amphibian control systems and using recycled soil from nearby mining activities.

Ilka Horstmeier, BMW Board Member for People and Real Estate, highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility beyond just the vehicles. She emphasizes that the entire value chain, including the company’s own sites, is considered. The FMDC not only serves as a cutting-edge test facility but also creates new jobs and contributes to the local economy.