Pontiac in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Validation Testing
Refining Production, Perfecting the Ride
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021
1. Validation Testing Marker
Rigorous testing and refinement of design, engineering and build processes is needed before going to full production since difficulty in making changes multiplies as mass production increases. Testing vehicles in sample road conditions and technical centers at proving grounds is merely one method used. During World War II, General Motors (GM) tested its military products- including amphibious vehicles and guns - at sites in and around Pontiac. GM invested $103 million in a validation testing center, opened in 2001 at the former Pontiac West Assembly Plant, to build prototype trucks and test production systems, the first of its kind. And, there is no substitute for testing on the roads we drive on every day.
You Auto Know
The Pontiac Eas ASsembly Plant once on Opdyke Road produced 200,000 trucks a year before closing in 2009.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 2001.
Location. 42° 38.473′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Made in Pontiac (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Inspiration Road (approx. Ό mile away); A Record Of Innovation (approx. Ό mile away); Molten Metal (approx. 0.3 miles away); Parades and People-Watching (approx. 0.3 miles away); Outstanding Architecture (approx. 0.3 miles
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021
2. Validation Testing Marker
Left side of marker
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021
3. Validation Testing Marker
Right side of marker
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021
4. Validation Testing Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
