Here, we take a close-up look at the Shibetsu Proving Ground, where the harsh environment of northern Japan helps Toyota forge "ever-better cars."
What Shibetsu makes possible
When asked what he would like to focus on next, Oyane gave the following response.
Oyane
Further expanding the grueling off-road course used for Land Cruiser development. I think Shibetsu’s off-road course has played a large part in the current Land Cruiser’s global renown. With competition in SUVs set to intensify further, we need to ensure that our products offer the ultimate in reliability and quality.
Few places can run their own off-road courses on this scale, so this will continue to be a great advantage for Shibetsu.
In recent years, more aspects of car development are moving into the digital realm. As Oyane points out, in such times the Shibetsu Proving Ground plays an even more important role.
Oyane
The Shibetsu Proving Ground has both a 10 km high-speed circuit and an extensive off-road course, where we can incorporate digital technology into the driving. In that way, we can cover every part of the cycle—break, analyze, fix. I believe we can make a greater contribution by improving the efficiency of high-level development.
The best test track in town
Along with such comprehensive courses, the Shibetsu Proving Ground boasts a total of 20,000 annual users, despite numbers falling over the past three years due to the pandemic. Oyane strives to make the facility a “best-in-town” presence, a carmaker valued by the community.
大矢根担当部長
我々は地域の皆さんに活かされています。冬期の除雪に地元の業者様にも入っていただくなど、地域経済にも少しでも貢献できればと思っています。
As an example of community initiatives, Oyane spoke of nature-viewing events on the Shibetsu Proving Ground site.
Oyane
The four major natural rivers flowing through the site are home to rare creatures such as the Japanese crayfish and the Ezo salamander. We invite children and curators from the Shibetsu City Museum to experience the richness of this natural environment.
In the spring and autumn, we also organize social gatherings with local community members to hear their ideas for the Shibetsu Proving Ground. We make a conscious effort to be part of the community through coexistence and co-prosperity.
Finally, Oyane spoke about the Shibetsu Proving Ground’s “mother test course” concept.
Oyane
Hokkaido is home to several test courses run by other auto industry companies, including parts manufacturers. We are making arrangements to further boost Shibetsu’s value by ensuring it can be safely used by other companies.
Partners such as Subaru and Mazda have been using the facility for the past three years, and I believe that’s the sort of field Shibetsu should be.
Shibetsu is making its four decades of expertise available not only for the benefit of Toyota, but also Japan’s entire automobile industry. The Shibetsu Proving Ground looks set to play an ever-larger role moving forward.
Next time, we check in on Shibetsu’s winter testing.
How does car development in the extreme conditions of -30ºC differ from the summer sessions? Tune in to find out.