New Ownership Chapter
The Lang Lang Proving Ground has reportedly been sold to an Australian defence contractor, marking the third major ownership chapter in the facility’s history after General Motors Holden and VinFast. The buyer has not yet been publicly named.
The sale marks a significant shift away from the site’s recent automotive development use. Several manufacturers and engineering firms are expected to be affected by the change, including GWM Australia & New Zealand.
GWM had established a permanent base at Lang Lang in 2025 for local chassis tuning, suspension development and Australian-market vehicle refinement, led by former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani. Following the sale, GWM was advised it would no longer be able to use the facility after mid-May 2026.
Overview
Located near Lang Lang, Victoria, this iconic 877-hectare automotive testing facility was established in 1957 by General Motors Holden (GMH). It served as the cornerstone of vehicle testing and development in Australia, simulating a range of real-world driving conditions across its 44km of test tracks.
Recent Activity with GWM Australia & New Zealand
GWM Moves in Permanently at Former Holden Lang Lang Proving Ground. Marking a new chapter in Australian automotive history, GWM established a permanent base at the iconic former GM Holden proving ground in Lang Lang. The site was to be used for ongoing local chassis tuning across GWM's full lineup, led by renowned former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani.
However, with the reported 2026 sale of the facility to an Australian defence contractor, GWM’s local testing program at Lang Lang has been disrupted. The company was advised that it would no longer be able to use the facility after mid-May 2026.
Historical Significance
- Origins: Developed by engineer Charles A. Paterson to test vehicles under Australian driving conditions.
- Testing Tracks: Included sealed and unsealed roads, a 4WD course, and a high-speed banked oval.
- Vehicle Development: From 1958 onwards, all Holden vehicles were tested here, ensuring durability and performance for Australian conditions.
The Transition to VinFast
The Lang Lang Proving Ground entered a new chapter in 2020 when Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast acquired the site following Holden’s departure. The site was rebranded as the VinFast Lang Lang Proving Ground and briefly operated as a major automotive development facility.
Location & Size: The proving ground is located on the Bass Highway, 90km southeast of Melbourne, covering 877 hectares of land rich in significant flora and fauna. It features a 44km road system, including sealed roads, unsealed roads, and several dedicated test tracks.
Although the site was only in operation under VinFast briefly, this comprehensive test facility remains a testament to its engineering capabilities and the world-class infrastructure it offered.
Our Services and Capabilities
Vehicle Test Laboratory
- Ambient and Environmental Emission Testing (-40°C to +50°C)
- Emissions Diagnostic Testing
- SHED Testing, including 2-day diurnal testing
- EV Range & Energy Consumption Testing
Calibration Services
- Engine, Transmission, and EV Calibration
Durability Testing
- Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA)
- Tailored Accelerated, General, Corrosion & Structural Durability
- Misuse and Abuse Testing
Performance Testing
- Vehicle Performance Development & Certification
- Dynamics, Chassis, Brakes, Electrical, NVH, Cooling & HVAC
- Benchmarking
ADAS Testing
- Euro NCAP, ANCAP, NHTSA, ECE and ISO Pre-Qualification
- Pedestrian, Bicycle VRU and Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Assist, Auto Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control
- OEM-Tailored Tests
Additional Services
- Product Launches, Media Events, Drive Days and Driver Training
- Track Hire, Press Fleet Preparation, Vehicle Run-in, Workshops and Offices
Track Infrastructure
Circular Track
- 4.7km sealed banked track with 4 lanes, supporting speeds of 180+ km/h
- 7 sealed brake pads with 0–180 km/h range
Skid Pad
- 98m diameter concrete pad with 500m lead-in road
- Includes 3 cold boxes and an adjacent meeting room
Durability Tracks
- Twist Course with rumble strips, speed humps, light and deep twist sections
- Rough Track with potholes, corrugations and Belgian pave
- Test Hills with gradients of 15%, 20%, 25% and 35%
- 5km sealed Hill Route with 6%, 12% and 15% gradients
- Includes 4WD track and pothole zones
Ride & Handling Track
- 4km sealed road featuring expansion joints, tram tracks and camber corners
Noise Road
- 1.77km of varied sealed surfaces reflecting Australian state roads, with a maximum speed of 120 km/h
Materials Laboratory
- Mechanical testing: Tensile, Tear, Puncture and Impact
- Chemical testing: FTIR and filler identification
- Microscopy: SEM, Digital and Optical
- Durability: Environmental testing from -40°C to 150°C, Abrasion, Scratch and Mar
- Hardness: Durometer, Rockwell and Brinell
- Flammability and Coating Thickness
- Corrosion: Salt Spray, Cyclic and Humidity
- Stress Cracking, Failure Analysis and 3D Printing
Corrosion Facility
- Salt Splash Road
- Salt Mist Booth
- Humidity Chambers
Cold Cell Testing
- 3 Cold Boxes on the skid pad, supporting -30°C to +50°C
- 2 Portable Cold Boxes for on-location repeatability
Office, Garage & Training Facilities
- Leased garage space with or without hoists
- Small to large meeting rooms equipped for webinars and training
- Optional demo garage space for training courses
- Engineering, technician and kitchen support
Lang Lang Proving Ground Historical Images
Cold boxes for temperature testing
4-lane circular banked track
Twist course & squeak/rattle surfaces
Belgian pave durability road
Emissions & environmental testing lab
Materials testing lab
Vehicle performance track
ADAS testing in progress
EV testing in progress
What This Site Used To Be
This website was once home to the official information page for the Lang Lang Proving Ground. It showcased the facilities, engineering excellence, and capabilities of one of the most advanced automotive testing grounds in the Southern Hemisphere.
Recent Ownership History
In 2020, VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, purchased the Lang Lang facility from GM Holden after Holden ceased operations. The site was intended to be a key R&D base for VinFast's international expansion.
However, by mid-2021, VinFast operations were scaled back, and the proving ground was once again placed on the market. In 2026, the site was reportedly sold to an Australian defence contractor, marking its third ownership era after General Motors Holden and VinFast.
What This Site Is Now Used For
The current use of the Lang Lang Proving Ground is changing following the reported sale to an Australian defence contractor. Prior to the sale, automotive media and manufacturers had continued to use the site, with CarExpert observed conducting vehicle reviews at the facility on several occasions.
All Terrain Action would welcome the opportunity to utilise this iconic facility for consumer-focused testing of BYD electric vehicles in the future.
We believe this facility has the potential to become a premier location for car and 4WD training, including day events, club meets and industry gatherings. Victoria is in desperate need of a venue like this, and the location is positioned very well.
Legacy
The Lang Lang Proving Ground is remembered not just as a facility, but as a symbol of Australia's contribution to global automotive innovation. Its role in testing and engineering vehicles for generations remains unmatched.