Webinar recap: CPR heading towards its first proving week in Lommel
On 21 April 2026, the CCAM Proving Region (CPR) brought together companies, researchers and innovators for a webinar and sounding board session. The focus was on preparations for the first proving week in June 2026 at the Ford Lommel Proving Ground. The session gave participants a concrete picture of how autonomous and connected mobility systems are validated in a realistic environment and what this means for accelerating their deployment on public roads.
From testing to demonstrating system maturity
Whereas traditional testing environments focus on individual functions, the CPR approach shifts the focus to demonstrating real-world readiness. In a controlled yet realistic setting, organisations are given the opportunity to demonstrate that their systems operate safely and robustly, even in complex and unexpected situations.
The focus is not only on successful scenarios, but specifically on demonstrating control and reliability when systems come under pressure. This approach contributes to standardised validation and accelerates the move towards large-scale implementation.
Four phases for integrated validation
During the webinar, the programme for the proving week was explained, comprising four core phases: onboarding and safety alignment, operational testing, ODD-specific validation and a concluding demonstration day.
This phased approach enables systems to be validated step by step, from basic functionality to complex interactions with infrastructure and other road users. The emphasis is on reproducible scenarios and integrated system performance.
A unique test environment for complex use cases
With over 100 kilometres of test tracks, the Ford Lommel Proving Ground offers a wide range of scenarios. From vehicle dynamics and motorway testing to ADAS and V2X applications and challenging road conditions.
This infrastructure enables the testing of diverse use cases, such as interactions with vulnerable road users, teleoperation and cooperative systems. This creates an environment that closely resembles real-world deployment, but with the control necessary for safe validation.
Flexibility and ecosystem at the heart
A key principle of the proving week is flexibility. Participants bring their own test scenarios and use cases, supported by a modular ‘test menu’ and guidance from the ecosystem.
This approach encourages open innovation and collaboration between OEMs, technology companies and knowledge institutions. At the same time, work is being done on shared standards and insights, without sharing intellectual property.
European cooperation and upscaling
The second part of the webinar, the sounding board session, focused on aligning with European developments. The CCAM initiative is gaining momentum, with large-scale demonstration projects and investments targeting system development, type approval and deployment.
This is giving rise to a joint approach to testing and validation, with harmonised methodologies and standardisation of processes. Work is also underway on a complete development chain, from simulation and test tracks to applications on public roads and post-deployment monitoring.
From regional cooperation to a European network
A key development is the shift from isolated test sites towards more integrated and cross-border cooperation. Within Europe, efforts are being made to establish large-scale test facilities involving multiple countries.
Regional cooperation, such as between the Netherlands and Flanders, plays a key role in this. Coordination between road authorities, ministries and regulatory bodies is accelerating the move towards practical application, whilst simultaneously contributing to European harmonisation.
Foundation for structural cooperation
During the session, attention also turned to the development of a CCAM Proving Region Excellence Centre. This initiative aims to ensure long-term impact, with a focus on knowledge sharing, cooperation and support for testing and implementation.
The centre is intended to contribute to transparency in testing and authorisation processes and to strengthening cooperation between government, businesses and knowledge institutions. It thus represents the next step in shortening the path from innovation to application on public roads.
