Safety asured with acoustic measurements

TÜV AUSTRIA built Europe’s most modern test track for vehicle acoustics tests in Bad Sobernheim in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. With the expansion of its automotive solutions portfolio, the Austrian group of companies is consolidating its position as a strong and reliable partner for the automotive industry.

In Bad Sobernheim, Germany, on the site of the former NATO airfield Pferdsfeld, Europe’s most modern test track for noise measurements went into operation on 28 April 2025.

For sound level measurements in accordance with specific national and international manufacturer regulations, the track alignment factor according to the VW specification “MISOR”, for example, is known for the track. Series tests for vehicle, tyre and component development are also possible, as are interior noise comfort measurements on different road surfaces, also in combination with the adjacent TRIWO Automotive Testing Center.

The 600 metre long test track impresses with its efficient layout, which sets it apart from other test tracks. On the one hand, it is long enough to achieve the necessary test speeds even with lorries or low-motorised vehicles, while on the other hand it offers appropriate turning loops for shorter start-up distances, which shorten the test cycles and favour high throughput rates.

What’s more, all tests can optionally be carried out by the driver in a “one-person operation”. This eliminates the need for additional personnel at the control centre. This makes the test track efficient and extremely attractive in terms of costs.

An additional asset of the test track is low ambient noise and no interference with other testing activities at the TRIWO Automotive Testing Center, which supports car manufacturers, suppliers and tyre manufacturers in product development.

E-vehicles can also be tested due to the low ambient level.

Thanks to the availability of an appropriate infrastructure with pre-installed measuring lines and a convenient control room, time-consuming set-up work is a thing of the past. This saves time and money. Under the motto “plug & measure”, customers are up and running in no time at all.

TÜV AUSTRIA CEO Stefan Haas: “Our modern acoustic test track complements our offering to the automotive industry in Germany and throughout Europe. And is a plus for TÜV AUSTRIA’s diverse activities in the automotive sector.”

Reinhard Preiss, TÜV AUSTRIA Executive Vice President Europe, adds: “The test track not only impresses with its well thought-out layout and the infrastructure around the track, but also with its geographical location.”

For Michael Dreesen, Technical Director of the TÜV AUSTRIA Acoustic Center Pferdsfeld, the new location has even more potential: “A number of well-known tyre manufacturers are located adjacent to our test track at the TRIWO Automotive Testing Center. We certainly have an attractive offer for them with our acoustic tests and our networked service portfolio.