GMTC - Desert Proving Grounds

Where is the Desert Proving Ground located ?

The Desert Proving Ground is located approximately 34 miles southeast of Phoenix in Mesa, Arizona.

The street address is;
13303 South Ellsworth
Mesa, Arizona 85208

When did the Desert Proving Ground open?

General Motors opened the Phoenix lab in 1937. Testing was done on public roads.
In 1953 GM opened the DPG outside of what is now Mesa. It provides a closed road course and a controlled environment for testing.

How big is the DPG?

The DPG covers almost 5000 acres and employs over 1000 people. (Both salaried and out sourced)

What kind of testing is done at the DPG?

Durability, Development, Validation, Hot weather, Noise & Exposure, Vehicle handling, Water & Dust intrusion, and Emissions testing to name a few.

What kind of road system does the DPG have?

There are many types of roads at the DPG.

• A nearly perfect circle 5 miles in circumference.
• A 2.4 mile straight-away.
• A durability course with twists, turns, potholes, gravel and city traffic course.
• A ride and structure development loop.
• An Interior noise road.
• A four wheel drive test course with sand pit and gravel hill.
• A skid pad.
• A test hill to simulate some of the worst hills in the U.S.

Are there any other proving grounds in Arizona ?

Yes. While General Motors was the first to recognize Arizona's unique climate and location many other manufacturers have opened test facilities here.

How hot does it get there?

The average maximum temperature is 118 degrees F. The highest temperature recorded in Arizona was 127 degrees F (recorded near Parker in 1905).