Stellantis Marks 50 Years of Orbassano Safety Center

Why It Matters

The centre’s scale and new digital tools accelerate safety validation, helping Stellantis and the wider auto industry meet stricter regulations and consumer expectations for safer vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• 24,000+ crash tests completed since 1976.
• Facility can run up to 1,000 tests annually.
• Upgraded with 13 mobile cameras and high‑speed video.
• Certifies vehicles to 175+ safety standards worldwide.
• Part of Stellantis global safety network across four continents.

Pulse Analysis

The Orbassano Safety Center has become a benchmark for automotive safety engineering, combining decades of crash‑test expertise with a physical footprint large enough to accommodate diverse vehicle platforms. Its ability to certify against more than 175 standards reflects the growing complexity of global regulations, from Euro NCAP to US FMVSS, and underscores why manufacturers invest heavily in dedicated test sites. By delivering up to 1,000 tests each year, Orbassano shortens development cycles and reduces reliance on costly post‑production recalls.

Recent technological upgrades have transformed the centre into a hybrid testing hub where physical impact data merges seamlessly with digital twins. The 13 mobile camera units and high‑speed underbody video capture granular deformation patterns, while simultaneous onboard recordings enable multi‑angle analysis. This data feeds advanced simulation models, allowing engineers to recreate crash scenarios virtually before physical validation. The result is a more iterative design process, higher fidelity in safety predictions, and faster iteration loops for emerging technologies such as autonomous driving systems and lightweight materials.

Strategically, Orbassano anchors Stellantis’ worldwide safety ecosystem, linking with sister facilities in France, Michigan and Brazil to harmonize testing protocols and share insights across continents. This global network not only ensures consistent safety performance across the group’s 14 brands but also positions Stellantis as a leader in setting industry standards. As regulators tighten mandates and consumers demand higher protection, the centre’s continued investment signals a commitment to innovation that could shape the next generation of vehicle safety benchmarks.