SMMT Test Day 2022 at Millbrook Proving Ground
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has held its annual Test Day at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, with plenty of Northern Group members in attendance.
While it’s a bit of a trek from the Northern Group’s patch — an eight-hour round trip or more for our farthest-flung members — the SMMT Test Day is nonetheless a very popular event.
With around 30 manufacturers regularly in attendance, it’s a chance for writers to get to speak to brands they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to access, and meet or catch up with press offices.
There’s usually close to 200 vehicles on site too, with driving routes that include some of Millbrook’s test facilities, like the hill route, the high speed bowl, and the city course.
In addition, some manufacturers allow vehicles to leave the site and head out onto local roads, and there’s also an off-road course — which is rather popular when Mercedes Trucks brings along its Unimog!
Despite there being 300 or so writers, photographers, and videographers attending, there’s plenty of chances to sample vehicles that haven’t been more widely available, sit outside your usual sphere, or that you just want to drive again.
Several brands also put on catering, which this year included an impressive ice cream truck, a waffle stand, a pizza truck, and of course several vital coffee stands — in addition to Millbrook’s own catering.
For those who weren’t able to attend the event, SMMT is planning north and south regional Test Days later in the year as usual, so keep an eye on your inboxes!
