Shandong Linglong Tyre Co., Ltd., the third largest tyre manufacturer in China and approximately number 16 in the world, has announced plans to invest $200 million in the construction of a “world class” proving ground in China. Company president Mr Wang Feng told Tyres & Accessories the investment will be spread over four years and will take the form of a three phase plan, beginning with passenger car tyre testing facilities when the proposed proving ground opens in 2012, and expanding to include truck and OTR testing facilities by the time it is completed in 2016. Currently the company is in the process of getting the necessary government approvals for its proposed plot of land, but Mr Wang said the company plans to be in a position to announce the further details at the end of the first half of this year. And the new facility will be a “First class proving ground in terms of size and quality,”he explained. Considering the relatively low cost of land in China, company representatives highlighted the fact that money it plans to invest in the new site will go a long way. Linglong's proposed investment equates to roughly 10 per cent of a year's turnover ($1.79 billion in 2009; over $2 billion expected in 2010) spread over four years.