On October 14, 2025, the ZalaZONE Foundation was officially established, marking a crucial legal and strategic milestone for the ZalaZONE Automotive Proving Ground. What began a few years ago as a joint vision on the site of a Zalaegerszeg forest has now become one of the most important European centers for the Hungarian automotive and innovation ecosystem.
With the formation of the Foundation, the proving ground has legally “come home” to Zalaegerszeg. It will operate as an independent, stable entity, free from dependence on any single car manufacturer, providing cutting-edge services to all partners and researchers.
Prof. Dr. László Palkovics, Government Commissioner and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, recalled the progress made since 2016: the construction of the test track, the creation of the university environment, and the attraction of global players like AVL, Bosch, and Rheinmetall, with the new Flex factory soon to be inaugurated. The Foundation is now equipped with the necessary resources to ensure the continuous development of the scientific and professional environment.elopment of the site.
Looking ahead, the Foundation’s strategic focus is on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and new technological infrastructures. The goal is for Zalaegerszeg to become a European-level testing ground not only for the automotive industry but also for future technologies. This ambition is underscored by Hungary’s recent participation in the European Union’s largest AI tender, joining the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, with the proving ground included in the consortium.
The diversity of future applications is already apparent: the Foundation’s resources will fund local R&D in Zalaegerszeg, supporting local companies employing researchers. As a demonstration of this commitment, a unique project was announced: the installation of a solar power plant on the test track under which raspberries will be planted. The cultivation and harvesting of the plants will be carried out by robots, showcasing the applicability of vehicle control technology in the agricultural sector. The developed technologies are intended to be commercialized after testing.
Local representatives, including Member of Parliament László Vigh, Zala County Prefect Rózsa Sifter, and Zalaegerszeg’s Mayor Zoltán Balaicz, emphasized the significance of the Foundation’s creation for Zala County and Hungary’s broader economic and technological future.
Fotos: Zalai Hírlap