It's winter - real winter - for five months a year in Alvsbyn, northern Sweden; perfect for testing vehicles in extreme temperatures. Many car models seen on roads worldwide have first spent time in Alvsbyn, one of the Arctic Falls facilities. "Our customers appreciate being able to test their constructions under secure conditions in authentic winter settings," says Mats Malmqvist, site manager at Vitberget Proving Ground. "Conditions that may occasionally occur at home are present here for long periods every year. It is about exposing vehicles and components to extreme conditions, to make sure they work without problem." When Arctic Falls inaugurated Vitberget Proving Ground in 1988, it was the first permanent land-based test facility offering winter testing. It covers 200ha and offers a complete range of services, and is staffed around the clock, seven days a week. Authentic winter tests can be carried out from November to March - longer than is typical of such facilities.
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