Geely opens $284m automotive safety testing center in China

Geely Auto Group has opened the Geely Safety Centre in Ningbo, now recognized as the world’s largest automotive safety testing facility.

The China-based automaker said the center covers 45,000 square meters and required an initial investment of over 2 billion RMB (US$283.5 million).

The facility is designed for a wide range of safety tests, including high-speed crash tests, pedestrian protection, battery and powertrain safety, cybersecurity, and health-related evaluations.

Geely claims the centre has set five Guinness World Records, including the largest automotive safety laboratory and the longest indoor car crash test track.

The company said the centre supports international collaboration on safety technology and standards, including work with CATARC and Tsinghua University.

🔗 Source: Geely

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

World’s largest claim needs third-party accreditation

Geely says the Ningbo lab holds five Guinness World Records.
Safety gains require ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation (an international standard that certifies testing laboratories are technically competent and produce valid results recognized by regulators worldwide).
Value rises if the lab runs certified protocols for external clients, like Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) and ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) operate.
Ningbo will matter if it supports independent certifications that influence purchases and insurance premiums.
Geely EX5 earned five-star ratings in 2025.

China’s GB 38031-2025 drives testing demand

GB 38031-2025 starts July 1, 2026; it requires no fire or explosion after thermal runaway (an uncontrolled overheating event), new bottom impact tests, and safety checks after 300 fast charges.
Battery tech firms plus test labs can serve OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) re-homologating (re-certifying for regulatory approval) legacy models and designing new compliance programs.
CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, a leading EV battery maker) was first to pass the standard in 2025 using NP technology and a bulletproof coating.
Investors can track H&Z (a European consulting plus engineering services firm) plus AVL (a global automotive engineering plus testing company) offerings, including an eight-week fast-track service.
Automakers in China and abroad risk costly delays without proper safety certificates under a regulation often called the world’s most stringent.