Stellantis Safety Center in Orbassano Celebrates 50 Years of Advancing Vehicle Safety

Stellantis is celebrating an important milestone as its renowned Safety Center in Orbassano, near Turin, marks 50 years of advancing vehicle safety. Since opening in 1976, the facility has played a crucial role in the development of safety technologies that protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians around the world. Stellantis Stellantis Safety Center Orbassano

Over five decades, the center has evolved into one of the most experienced and technologically advanced automotive safety facilities in the industry. Its work supports vehicle development across the entire portfolio of Stellantis brands, helping ensure that modern vehicles meet some of the strictest safety standards globally.

A Global Hub for Safety Research

The Orbassano Safety Center covers about 110,000 square meters and employs more than 100 specialists working in two shifts. Engineers, researchers, and technicians collaborate to test vehicles and components under a wide range of simulated accident scenarios.

The facility features four dedicated crash test tracks with multiple impact points. These areas allow engineers to recreate different types of collisions and analyze how vehicles behave in real world accident conditions. Tests focus on factors such as pedestrian impact protection, roof crush resistance, and rollover safety.

The center is capable of performing up to 1,000 tests per year using both physical crash testing and digital simulation methods. This combination allows engineers to analyze complex crash scenarios more efficiently while maintaining high levels of accuracy.

More Than 24,000 Crash Tests Over Five Decades

One of the most impressive milestones achieved by the Orbassano facility is the completion of more than 24,000 crash tests since its opening. Alongside these physical tests, thousands of computer simulations have helped engineers refine vehicle structures and safety systems.

These tests have contributed to the development of important safety technologies including improved body structures, advanced airbags, and more effective seatbelt systems. The results have helped improve occupant protection across multiple vehicle platforms used by Stellantis brands worldwide.

The data collected during testing also provides valuable insights for suppliers and engineering teams, helping strengthen safety across the entire automotive supply chain.

Advanced Technology for Modern Crash Testing

Over the years the Safety Center has continuously upgraded its equipment to keep pace with new vehicle technologies. Modern crash tests now rely on advanced high speed cameras and detailed digital analysis to understand exactly how vehicles respond during impact.

At Orbassano, engineers use a computer controlled camera positioning system with 13 mobile units that focus on the impact zone during a crash test. The system can also capture high speed video from beneath the vehicle and from multiple cameras mounted inside the car.

These technologies allow engineers to closely study how components deform during an accident and how safety systems respond in milliseconds.

Meeting Global Safety Standards

Vehicles tested at the Orbassano facility can be certified to comply with more than 175 international safety and technology standards. This is especially important for global automakers like Stellantis, which sell vehicles in markets with different regulatory requirements.

The center also performs component level testing on parts such as seats, doors, dashboards, and structural elements. This ensures that every part of a vehicle contributes to overall safety performance.

Part of a Global Safety Network

The Orbassano Safety Center is one part of Stellantis’ worldwide safety engineering network. Other major safety testing facilities are located in France, the United States, and Brazil, creating a global collaboration that helps improve vehicle safety across multiple regions.

Together, these facilities support the development of vehicles that meet increasingly demanding safety requirements while also adapting to new technologies such as electrification and advanced driver assistance systems.

Continuing the Mission of Protecting People

During the anniversary celebration, Stellantis leadership highlighted the importance of the center’s mission. The goal has always been simple but critical: improving vehicle safety to better protect people on the road.

After 50 years of research, innovation, and testing, the Orbassano Safety Center continues to play a key role in shaping the future of automotive safety. As vehicles become more advanced and connected, the facility will remain an essential part of Stellantis’ effort to create safer mobility for drivers around the world.