INDIANAPOLIS — Allison Transmission is investing in a new testing facility to support services for a variety of commercial vehicles.

The Vehicle Environmental Test facility, located on the campus of Allison’s global headquarters on the west side of Indianapolis, will include two environmental chambers capable of simulating temperature extremes, altitude, and on-road conditions, according to a news release from the company. The facility will allow testing for regulatory compliance, on-board diagnostic development, and performance improvements for vehicle functional optimization. The facility will also support testing for a range of propulsion systems, including conventional powertrains, alternative fuel, electric hybrid, and fully electric vehicles.

“Industries around the globe depend on Allison Automatics to power highly specialized vehicles that must perform under all kinds of extreme conditions,” said David Graziosi, president and CEO of Allison Transmission. “The Vehicle Environmental Test facility will provide Allison engineers with enhanced capabilities to conduct testing replicating vehicle environments and duty cycles.”

The city's mayor, Joe Hogsett, added that the city is "pleased to work with such a community-minded company as they grow within our city, and look forward to the benefits this investment in innovation will bring to Indianapolis, the industry, and even the world.”

The facility will be one of a few in the U.S., and the only one of its kind in the Midwest, according to the company. Additionally, when the facility is not in use by Allison Transmission, third parties will be able to utilize the chamber for their own testing. Project planning for the Vehicle Environmental Test facility has begun and is scheduled for completion in 2020.