Holden’s secret test track gets a $7m upgrade

Holden’s secret Lang Lang proving ground and its dedicated engineering staff have been given a timely vote of confidence this week, with General Motors announcing a $7 million upgrade of the facility.

The Victorian proving ground, responsible for honing the dynamics of some of Holden’s greatest nameplates over the past 60 years, looked to be in dire straits in 2013 when Singapore-based GM International announced its intention to close the operation, along with the now-defunct Elizabeth manufacturing plant.

Now, the 877-hectare site has ultimately been granted a stay of execution. In a statement, General Motors re-affirmed its long-term commitment to the Holden engineering division, announcing it would resurface the facility’s 4.7km high speed bowl.

“Lang Lang plays an important role for GM internationally, providing engine and transmission calibration for global markets; currently Holden’s Lang Lang’s team is working on global programs for Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac,” said the release.

In addition, the 60-year-old proving ground south of Melbourne will be pivotal in the development of every new Holden moving forward, the car maker’s boss Mark Bernhard said.

“Every vehicle wearing a Holden badge has been tested at Lang Lang. Holden vehicles will continue to be tuned and tested at our proving ground for Australian conditions and this track investment is a demonstration of how central Lang Lang is to Holden’s ongoing localisation capabilities,“ Mr Bernhard said.

The resurfacing is an extension of $8.7 million already invested in a new emissions lab at Lang Lang, ensuring Holden engineers can help meet stringent emission regulations for Europe and North America.

Separately, Holden has also announced a $150 million investment in its dealership network as it continues its post-manufacturing transformation in Australia.

After “more than a year of testing”, Holden has rolled out new-look dealerships in Victoria and Brisbane, and plans to re-brand as many as 10 national dealerships each month.

The new dealerships will include upgraded signage, concierge services, airport-style lounge layouts, added aftersales staff and coffee machines.