Winter testing is an indispensable stage in the vehicle development process. Under extreme sub-zero temperatures, on ice- and snow-covered surfaces, and in harsh climatic conditions, a vehicle’s braking system, electronic stability program, battery thermal management, chassis calibration, and advanced driver-assistance systems are all pushed to their absolute limits. For Chinese automakers accelerating their global expansion, access to high-standard, systematic winter testing resources has become a critical prerequisite for entering European and international markets.

Arvidsjaur, located within the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, is globally recognized as the premier destination for winter testing. With months of consistently low temperatures, vast naturally frozen lake surfaces, and mature, well-established testing infrastructure, the region attracts the world’s leading OEMs every year for winter validation programs.

On-Road Testing: From Stockholm to Arvidsjaur

On March 12, 2026, a SHiC team departed Stockholm in a test vehicle and completed a round trip of over 2,000 kilometers to Arvidsjaur over two days. The team conducted rigorous on-road testing along the route, thoroughly evaluating the vehicle’s real-world performance during long-distance driving in Arctic conditions. Upon arrival in Arvidsjaur, the team took full advantage of the professionally prepared ice tracks built by Icemakers on the frozen lake surface, carrying out in-depth assessments of the vehicle’s handling on ice.

This field trip was not only a technical validation exercise but also a direct demonstration of SHiC’s capability to deliver end-to-end winter testing services — from departure to the ice track — for its clients.

Strategic Partnership: Signing the MoU

Following the completion of the road tests, SHiC CEO Mr. Cao Haijia and Icemakers CEO Mr. Josef Rönholm formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by Dr. Pu Jiangbo from the Chinese Embassy in Sweden and representatives of the Arvidsjaur Municipality.

Icemakers is a leading winter testing service provider in the Arvidsjaur region, with proven expertise in ice track construction and maintenance, extensive test facility operations, and comprehensive logistical support. Through this partnership, SHiC will integrate Icemakers’ deep capabilities in test site management, technical support, and local operations with its own core strengths in Chinese automotive industry engagement, project management, and Nordic business coordination. Together, the two companies will deliver efficient, professional, and turnkey winter testing solutions for Chinese OEM clients.

Partnership Vision: A Step Change in Winter Testing Capability

The collaboration between SHiC and Icemakers represents a qualitative leap for Chinese automakers conducting winter testing in the Nordics. Specifically, the partnership will deliver significant improvements in customized ice and snow track design and management, test vehicle logistics and local support, multilingual technical communication and project coordination, and full-chain services from test planning through to data delivery.

This cooperative model will effectively reduce the organizational complexity and operational costs for Chinese OEMs undertaking independent winter testing programs in the Nordics, allowing them to focus on technical validation and product optimization.

A New Chapter in Swedish-Chinese Cooperation

Following the signing ceremony, Icemakers CEO Mr. Josef Rönholm presented a symbolic painting to Dr. Pu Jiangbo of the Chinese Embassy in Sweden, expressing Arvidsjaur’s welcome and anticipation toward the Chinese automotive industry. This gesture marks not only the beginning of a corporate partnership but also symbolizes the mutual trust and shared progress between Sweden’s winter testing industry and China’s automotive sector.

Just as nearly a century ago the legendary skier Johan Abraham Persson from Arvidsjaur conquered 200 kilometers of frozen wilderness with extraordinary perseverance, today SHiC and Icemakers carry forward that same spirit of resilience — together setting a new benchmark for winter testing in the global automotive industry.