Porsche Maintains Commitment to NTC Apulia as Key Global Vehicle Testing Hub
Located in Apulia, southern Italy, the Nardò Technical Centre (NTC) remains a central hub for Porsche and numerous international car manufacturers' vehicle testing. The facility spans 700 hectares and features a 12.6-kilometre high-speed circular track, a 6.2-kilometre handling course, and various advanced testing environments for next-generation vehicles.
Porsche acquired the NTC in 2012 and has since integrated the site into its comprehensive engineering and development operations. The company has continuously upgraded the facility, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of future mobility technologies. Operating year-round, NTC plays a vital role in supporting global automotive clients. Since 2023, a nearby software unit in Lecce has further expanded Porsche’s technological footprint in southern Italy.
In recent years, Porsche proposed a development plan to broaden NTC’s services. However, the company has now chosen not to proceed with this plan. In March 2024, the Apulia Region extended the suspension of the programme agreement required for the plan’s approval, currently set until the end of March 2025.
Porsche’s decision follows months of thorough evaluation and dialogue with multiple stakeholders. The choice reflects a balanced social, environmental, and economic consideration. The challenging global landscape and shifting conditions within the automotive industry significantly influenced the outcome.
Despite this change in direction, NTC remains a cornerstone of Porsche Engineering’s global testing network. Vehicle testing at the site will continue, playing a crucial role in developing innovative mobility solutions for the automotive industry worldwide.