The Ministry of Construction has officially terminated plans for the Vietnam Automotive Testing Centre in Bac Ninh, stating that the project no longer aligns with the current requirements of the automotive industry.

The ministry has approved a proposal from the Vietnam Register to discontinue further research into the project, which was planned for Hop Thinh Commune in Bac Ninh Province.

According to the ministry, the project was first proposed in 2008, but its original objectives, technology and design scope no longer reflect developments in electric vehicles, connected vehicles and automated driving technologies.

The decision is also consistent with the Government's policy of reviewing and discontinuing public investment projects that are no longer feasible or effective. The Ministry of Construction has instructed the Vietnam Register to assume full responsibility for the accuracy of all data and documentation related to the project. The agency has also been tasked with assessing the need for a new automotive testing centre, if required, ensuring that it complies with public investment regulations and the requirements of the automotive industry.

In addition, the Vietnam Register must coordinate with the Bac Ninh provincial authorities and relevant agencies to determine the future use of the land reserved for the project, notify affected residents and organisations, and address any complaints arising from the decision.

The Vietnam Automotive Testing Centre was originally proposed in 2008 as a national facility for vehicle testing and certification in accordance with both Vietnamese and international standards. French consultancy EGIS International developed the initial concept based on automotive testing centres in other countries. The original master plan covered more than 92 hectares, with a total investment of over VND 1 trillion (US$ 37.9 million). It included five testing buildings, 10 specialised test tracks for gradient, high-speed and acceleration testing, as well as supporting infrastructure.

Upon completion, the centre was expected to provide testing services for vehicles and automotive equipment, supporting domestic manufacturing, assembly, imports and exports.

However, during the review process, the Ministry of Construction requested a reduction in the project's scale. In 2013, the planned area was reduced to approximately 45-50 hectares, and the investment was lowered to more than VND 700 billion. Although the Bac Ninh authorities reaffirmed their support for the project in 2017 and planned to proceed with land clearance, construction never commenced.