Why are automakers choosing Hell, Michigan for car testing?

Question

Accepted Answer

Automakers Select Hell, Michigan for Vehicle Testing Due to its Road Network and Novelty Factor

Automakers are increasingly choosing Hell, Michigan, as a prime location for testing new vehicles due to a combination of its advantageous road infrastructure and the unique appeal of the community itself. The area, situated approximately 60 miles west of Detroit, offers a diverse range of roads conducive to evaluating vehicle performance, from winding, undulating routes to flat, straight sections. This accessibility and variety make it a practical and attractive site for both automotive journalists and engineers to conduct comprehensive test drives.
Advantageous Road Network for Vehicle Evaluation

The roads surrounding Hell, Michigan, provide a compelling environment for assessing new automobiles. Described as "really great" and offering a significant selection for testing, these routes include sections that rise and fall dramatically, akin to a roller-coaster, alongside stretches that are flat and straight, allowing for acceleration tests. This diverse topography enables automakers to thoroughly evaluate various aspects of a vehicle's handling, braking, and acceleration capabilities within a relatively contained geographical area.
Proximity to Automotive Hubs and Media Accessibility

Hell's strategic location, being only about 60 miles from Detroit, significantly simplifies logistics for automakers. This proximity allows for the efficient transportation of new vehicles to the testing site, minimising logistical challenges and costs associated with longer distances. Furthermore, as auto sales have surged, leading to a substantial increase in new vehicle model introductions—376 models were slated for introduction in the US from 2013 to 2015—companies are conducting more regional events to reach a wider array of media. Hell serves as an accessible venue for these expanded outreach efforts.
Novelty and Campy Appeal Drive Interest

Beyond the practical advantages of its road network, the unincorporated community of Hell possesses a distinct novelty and campy appeal that automakers leverage for publicity. The town's name inherently lends itself to puns and promotional angles, as seen in automotive reviews that play on the phrase "to Hell and back." This unique characteristic, coupled with attractions like Screams Ice Cream diner, contributes to the location's memorability and can generate greater media interest and public engagement surrounding vehicle launches.
Increased Vehicle Introductions Fuel Demand for Test Locations

The surge in new vehicle models being introduced to the market has directly fuelled the demand for effective testing locations like Hell. Following the industry's downturn and subsequent recovery, automakers are releasing a significantly higher volume of new cars and trucks. For instance, compared to 88 models introduced in 2011 and 91 in 2010, the period from 2013 to 2015 saw an introduction of 376 models. This heightened activity necessitates robust testing programs, making locations like Hell, with its suitable roads and publicity potential, increasingly valuable.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are automakers choosing Hell, Michigan for car testing?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends