The car testing industry – secrets that generate a turnover of 1 billion

Deep in the inland of Norrbotten they are – around 30 car testing facilities. They are surrounded by hush-hush and provide jobs, 100 guest nights and big money to places like Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur, Älvsbyn and Jokkmokk. A third of the world's car testing operations are located here.

This is an industry that is now facing a revolution. The transition to electric and self-driving cars is just around the corner, and it is Robert Granström's job to develop the car testing industry for the needs of the future.

- Together with LTU, we are thinking about what a world-class charging testbed would look like, he says in episode 2 of the Let's talk podcast.

Älvsby resident Robert Granström is chairman of SPGA, the car testing companies' collaboration organization in Norrbotten. The industry has had an annual growth of seven percent since the 90s, but according to Granström, this is just the beginning. He sees enormous potential for growth that should arouse greater interest in the rest of Sweden.

- It goes without saying that car tests are important for the region, but they are also important nationally. Make sure people understand that you can really make money here!

In the episode, Granström discusses sustainability and how the urbanization norm counteracts both growth and the development of a sustainable society.

Hear him talk about today's testing activities, electric cars, self-driving cars and the vision of Norrbotten as a showcase for sustainable innovations.

- We have gained a reputation for being the problem, but in reality, on the contrary, we are the solution.

Episode 2: The car testing industry - secrets that turn over 1 billion (Spotify)

Section 2: The car testing industry - secrets that turn over 1 billion