Geely Auto Group has officially opened the world’s largest automotive safety testing facility, unveiling the Geely Safety Centre in Ningbo, China, a move that underscores the scale of investment global OEMs are making as vehicles become increasingly electrified, connected and software-defined.
Spanning more than 45,000 square metres and backed by an initial investment of over RMB 2 billion, the new centre is designed to cover the full spectrum of modern vehicle safety testing. For Fleet Managers, Sustainability Managers and Finance Managers, the announcement is a reminder that vehicle safety is no longer limited to crash performance alone, but now extends into battery systems, cybersecurity, data privacy, and even in-cabin health and environmental standards.
The Geely Safety Centre has already set five Guinness World Records, including the world’s largest automotive safety laboratory and the longest indoor crash test track. It also offers the widest range of safety tests available at a single automaker facility, with 27 different test types under one roof. These capabilities go well beyond traditional regulatory requirements, reflecting the growing complexity of electric and intelligent vehicles entering fleet service.
Importantly for fleet buyers assessing long-term risk, the facility has been purpose-built to test battery and new energy powertrain safety, advanced driver assistance systems, and vehicle cybersecurity. Geely says the centre can conduct CNAS-certified cybersecurity testing across multiple attack vectors, evaluating everything from chips and firmware through to data transmission, encryption, over-the-air updates, sensors and vehicle controllers. As fleets increasingly rely on connected vehicles and digital platforms, these areas are becoming critical to operational resilience and data protection.
Geely is also extending the definition of safety to include human health and environmental considerations. The centre’s dedicated “Golden Nose” team focuses on detecting volatile materials and odours, with the aim of achieving a “zero harmful gas/odour” standard. For organisations with driver wellbeing obligations and ESG reporting requirements, this broader approach to safety aligns closely with evolving expectations around workplace health and sustainability.
According to Geely, the new Safety Centre will also act as a collaboration platform with global partners, universities and industry bodies, including joint work with the China Automotive Technology and Research Center and Tsinghua University on intelligent vehicle safety standards. This collaborative approach is intended to help shape future safety benchmarks as technology continues to evolve.
Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto Group, said safety has been the company’s top priority for more than 30 years. “We’ve always aimed to exceed national and regional standards to set new benchmarks in safety, which is a benefit to everyone in the industry and consumers globally,” he said.
For fleet decision-makers, the opening of the Geely Safety Centre highlights a broader industry trend: OEMs are investing heavily to manage the technical, safety and reputational risks associated with electrification and intelligent mobility. As fleets plan future vehicle procurement and transition strategies, understanding how manufacturers are addressing these risks will be just as important as upfront cost, range and total cost of ownership.
