It’s not every day that you get to celebrate a century of trailblazing innovation, but that’s exactly what General Motors (GM) did this past Saturday. More than 7,000 GM employees, retirees, and their families gathered at the legendary Milford Proving Ground (MPG) in southeastern Michigan to mark the 100th anniversary of this pivotal testing facility. The event wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane – it was a living museum, curated by the GM Heritage Center and the GM Proving Ground Retiree Club, where guests immersed themselves in the rich history of automotive advancement.

GM rolled out all the stops, offering visitors a self-guided tour of the facility, which sprawls over 4,000 acres and includes nearly 150 miles of roadways specifically designed to put vehicles through their paces. From steep hills to dirt roads, and even the legendary 67-acre Black Lake—an expanse of blacktop designed for vehicle dynamic testing—the grounds are a haven for auto enthusiasts. It was like walking through the halls of automotive history, with a stunning display of vintage cars that included a 1910 REO Model R and a 1922 Cadillac Type 61 Victoria Coupe.

“The Milford Proving Ground is at the heart of GM’s long history of innovation that has revolutionized the auto industry,” remarked Mark Reuss, President of General Motors. Reuss, whose connection to Milford goes way back to his summer intern days, added, “Today, we celebrate 100 years of Milford and look forward to its next century of leadership in vehicle testing and development.”

 A Century of Automotive Innovation

The Early Years (1924-1940)

Milford Proving Ground opened its doors on September 25, 1924, under the forward-thinking leadership of GM President Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. As the first facility of its kind, Milford became the epicenter for controlled vehicle testing, setting the foundation for the automotive industry’s safety and performance standards. Early tests on speed, handling, fuel economy, and safety were developed here, alongside the birth of groundbreaking crash and rollover tests that enhanced passenger protection. Maurice Olley, a pioneer in suspension technology, introduced formal suspension and chassis analysis, forever changing how vehicles handled.

The War Years (1941-1946)  

When World War II erupted, Milford Proving Ground became more than just a testing site—it was a vital cog in the war machine. Dubbed part of the “Arsenal of Democracy,” Milford tested tanks and military vehicles for combat. By 1942, the number of employees swelled from 165 to more than 500. Over 680 different military vehicles were tested, with engineers racking up over 850,000 miles of evaluations on the facility’s rugged terrain.

The Growth Years (1946-1970)

Post-war expansion saw Milford develop into an even more sophisticated testing ground. By 1954, its 51 miles of test roads carried traffic of over 10 million miles annually. Highlights of this era included the completion of the iconic 4.5-mile Circular Test Track and the Salt Splash Road in 1964. By 1968, Milford boasted the Ice Surface Facility and the Vehicle Dynamics Test Area, formally known as Black Lake—testaments to GM’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Regulatory Years (1971-2000)

With the rise of environmental and safety regulations, Milford once again led the charge. The development of catalytic converters and advancements in fuel injection were just some of the innovations that dramatically improved fuel economy. The facility also pioneered crash test dummies, airbags, child seats, and anti-lock brakes, proving itself a key player in making cars safer and more efficient. This era saw the creation of alternative fuel vehicles, with the groundbreaking EV1 electric car paving the way for GM’s future in sustainable automotive technology.

The Road to Zero/Zero/Zero (2001-Today)

Milford’s most recent chapter is defined by GM’s bold goal of “Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion.” It’s not just a tagline—it’s a vision for the future of mobility. Milford has been instrumental in developing and testing electric and autonomous vehicles, including the cutting-edge Super Cruise technology and the Active Safety Test Area, where pedestrian avoidance and lane-keeping systems are refined.

Rarely Seen, Deeply Revered

Milford Proving Ground is one of GM’s best-kept secrets—rarely open to the public, its sprawling test roads and high-tech facilities have long been the birthplace of automotive breakthroughs. This centennial event was a rare chance for visitors to witness where history was made and the future is being forged. And it’s no surprise that GM chose to showcase not only its historic achievements but also its forward-thinking innovations in electric and autonomous vehicles.

As GM gears up for its next century of excellence, Milford Proving Ground remains at the heart of its vision. This milestone marks not just 100 years of tests and trials, but 100 years of shaping the very future of transportation.

For more details on the history and innovations at Milford Proving Ground, visit GM’s official website