50 years of saving lives: Ohio’s innovative vehicle testing
Image: Ohio’s Transportation Center Inc.’s vehicle testing facility
When you’re talking about companies that shape the future, you should include Ohio’s very own Transportation Research Center Inc. TRC is an innovator in motor vehicle safety and has been at the forefront of saving lives since opening its Ohio headquarters in 1974. This year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The unique automotive testing center was a vision of Governor James A. Rhodes, to position Ohio as the nationwide leader in the automotive industry and vehicle technologies. He worked to develop the new testing facility alongside Ohio State University and other state agencies.
During the 1960s, traffic deaths were alarmingly high due to a lack of safety equipment and protocols. Because of this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was created and located a vehicle research and test facility at TRC’s establishment in East Liberty, Ohio. Since then, TRC’s contribution to in-vehicle safety technologies, safer vehicle design and ideas for transportation infrastructure have saved more than 600,000 lives between 1960 to 2012.
TRC’s dynamic testing programs play an integral role in developing safer motor vehicles throughout the country. Their 4,500-acre testing facility operates 24/7, testing passenger cars, buses, motorcycles, electric vehicles and even airplanes. Not only do they test safety through traditional crash tests but they also perform vehicle emission testing and fuel economy assessment, leading to better air quality and a safer environment – all right here in Ohio!
In 2019, TRC Inc. opened the SMARTCenter for autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars). This autonomous vehicle testing center offers unparalleled test procedures for companies developing new vehicle technologies, and it features simulated cityscape test tracks to see how AVs perform in real-world settings.
Three years ago, TRC Inc. expanded into California to better serve West Coast innovators and create a stronger pipeline to Ohio.
What It Means For Ohio
The Transportation Research Center is a world-renowned leader in vehicle safety testing, and their Ohio-based headquarters positions our state as an integral leader in the automotive industry – especially new vehicle technologies.
As TRC continues to develop more comprehensive, dynamic vehicle testing procedures, major players and innovative startups in the automotive and aviation industry will be attracted to Ohio, securing its longstanding influence on transportation technologies today and beyond.
What they’re saying
“There’s no one in North America who can demonstrate a longer, more successful history of cutting-edge vehicle and roadway research to improve safety and automotive durability than TRC. Transportation innovators of every sort and size come to TRC because they appreciate the depth and diversity of our expertise, the broad range and quality of our services, and the client-first focus of our work.”
- Brett Roubinek, TRC’s President and CEO
