Automotive Research Center

Fuel economy, emissions, & vehicle safety research initiatives

What we do

The ARC started in the 1960s to provide information to Congress in the debates on auto emissions. Since then, the ARC's role expanded to include vehicle safety testing and research and analysis on the latest vehicle technology. The ARC remains AAA’s only dedicated automotive research facility in the U.S.

 

The state-of-the-art automotive test facility, located in Los Angeles, performs emissions, fuel economy, performance, and many other tests on vehicles. It also provides news updates on a broad range of key automotive issues and trends.

Our state-of-the-art facility

 

The facility consists of a temperature-controlled test cell with four-wheel drive dynamometer, a workshop, and a soak area where vehicles are prepped for emissions and fuel economy testing.

 

Tests are performed using procedures developed by the ARC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Why we perform rigorous testing

Road testing is often performed on public highways or at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. This includes EV range testing, fuel economy and emissions testing, and the evaluation of vehicles for inclusion in the AAA Car Guide.

 

The ARC also participates with AAA in joint auto research projects, including vehicle fuel economy and emissions testing, and evaluation of advanced driver assistance systems. We also provide unbiased data to support AAA’s public policy positions.

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Influencing U.S. automotive safety

Over the decades, ARC research has provided AAA members with information about vehicle safety, performance, and fuel economy. Research has also supported National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety initiatives.

Contact us

Please call or email us if you have any questions about the ARC, want to learn more about our research studies, or are looking to have your product tested by our independent lab.