Vehicle Research Center Launches“Smart Vehicle-Electronics Autonomous Driving Test Facility” Capable of Testing in Heavy Rain and Thick Fog

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) inaugurated Asia's most advanced Smart Vehicle-Electronics Autonomous Driving Test Facility on October 21. The new facility can simulate a wide range of real-world environments—including dense fog, heavy rain, tunnels, and bridges—providing all-weather testing conditions for smart vehicles. Its launch marks a major step toward aligning Taiwan’s smart vehicle and vehicle-electronics R&D capabilities with international standards.

MOEA Deputy Minister Ho Chin-tsang stated that the opening of this facility represents a milestone for Taiwan’s automotive industry, ushering in a new era of comprehensive advancement. Through a NT$1 billion technology program, Taiwan has progressively developed world-class validation capabilities for smart vehicle and electric systems—such as the smart cockpit and integrated powertrain control systems—culminating in today's official launch of this cutting-edge test ground.

Ho noted that global tariff adjustments and price competition from mainland China have posed challenges for traditional component manufacturers and SMEs. Nevertheless, Taiwan retains distinct advantages in intelligence, system integration, and innovation. By leveraging its strong ICT ecosystem, solid automotive electronics foundation, and flexible small- and medium-sized enterprises, Taiwan can establish differentiated competitiveness and strengthen its position in global markets.

He emphasized that the new facility is not merely a hardware project, but a vital platform for helping local suppliers and SMEs upgrade and transform. The MOEA will continue to offer policy and funding support, aiming to make the Vehicle Research and Testing Center (ARTC) a leading R&D and testing hub in Asia, helping industries tap into the trillion-dollar global AI smart vehicle and automotive electronics markets.

ARTC Chairman Wang Cheng-chien explained that the newly completed Weather Tunnel Test Area and Autonomous Vehicle Elevated Road Test Area can simulate multiple weather and road conditions—such as rainfall, fog, sunlight glare, ramp merging, slopes, and under-bridge environments. These allow integrated testing of perception, positioning, and decision-making controls under diverse scenarios. Another suburban road test zone, currently under construction, is scheduled for completion in 2026, further expanding testing capabilities for complex traffic environments.

The Smart Vehicle-Electronics Autonomous Driving Test Facility provides domestic manufacturers with an internationally aligned and secure testing platform, enabling the validation of vehicle components and autonomous driving systems under controlled, closed environments. For example, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) can be tested for detection and response in heavy rain or fog, while autonomous driving systems can undergo positioning and route-planning tests on elevated roads or in GPS-shielded areas. This comprehensive testing infrastructure will significantly shorten development-to-market timelines and enhance the reliability and competitiveness of Taiwan's automotive electronics products worldwide.