Smithers has invested in a state-of-the-art Simulated On-Vehicle Acceleration Testing (SOVAT) machine, which the testing, consulting, information, and compliance services firm recently debuted at its Smithers Suzhou, China laboratory. The SOVAT machine results from joint work with vehicle and tyre manufacturers and aims, says Smithers, to address “tyre testing pain points.” Specifically, it provides an indoor, repeatable alternative to on-vehicle tyre testing for treadwear, breaking in, chip and chunk and road hazard endurance, a process that can be time-consuming and inconsistent. Smithers says the SOVAT machine provides results “in a fraction of the time.”