AKRON—Something old and something new. Bridgestone Americas Inc. has a little both planned for the city of Akron.
The tire maker announced Nov. 19 that it would expand its Americas Technology Center, adding a new vehicle dynamics test track designed to advance the development of new vehicle technologies.
Intended to complement Bridgestone's established testing operations in Texas, Ohio, Mexico and South America, the new vehicle dynamics track facility is slated for completion by Summer 2022. It will feature multiple vehicle dynamics courses that are designed to replicate the conditions of real-world driving. Tracks include a long straightaway to assess lane change performance; a noise, vibration and harshness course to test ride comfort and road noise; and a wet and dry weather handling course.