History

1956		Simca decides to establish a testing centre for the development of its vehicles. The future site is leased for a period of 30 years.
1958		A 4-kilometre road circuit is laid out and an old farm is used as a workshop. Testing begins on the Simca 1000.
1968		Simca is bought out by the American manufacturer Chrysler, which also takes over the testing centre. In order to satisfy its testing requirements, Chrysler decides to expand the test facilities by extending the road circuit and building a 3-km annular speed-test track, along with a 77,000 m² development area and new workshops.
1974		Second extension phase with the creation of special facilities (cobbled track, dust tunnel, etc.).
1978		Peugeot takes over Chrysler Europe and Simca changes its name to Talbot.
1986		Peugeot Citroën decides against renewing the lease as both companies are struggling financially and each has its own testing centre. The site is abandoned for two years.
1988		Valéo, the main French motor vehicle equipment manufacturer takes control of the site. This marks a turning point in the centre’s operating procedures, as it opens its doors to other manufacturers.
1993		After refocusing its activities, Valéo decides to pull out of operating the centre
1994		G.I.E. CERAM (Centre d’Essais et de Recherche Automobile de Mortefontaine) is created. Its aim is to preserve the open-access mode of operations, while offering its customers a modern, highly efficient facility. This automotive test facility is an exceptional site. Indeed, there are only four annular speed-test tracks in France and only a dozen or so in Europe. It is a major asset for the French and European automotive industries with regard to the development of vehicles (reliability, behaviour, performance, etc.), equipment (brake systems, clutches, tyres, suspensions, lighting, wiper systems, etc.) and their commercial presentation. Another asset of the centre is its proximity to Paris and Roissy Charles-De-Gaulle airport, thus allowing easy access for its different users. Since 1994, in addition to renting out its tracks, the company has also been implementing a major technical development programme with the creation of a Vehicle Testing Department and the installation of testing rigs, etc.
2003		On 16 September 2003, PINIFARINA s.p.a. becomes the new shareholder of CERAM.
2008		CERAM joins UTAC, which becomes its new shareholder.