The UK’s Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) has been acquired by Horiba, a Japanese company specialising in an array of instruments and systems for applications ranging from automotive R&D, process and environmental monitoring, in-vitro medical diagnostics, semiconductor manufacturing and metrology.
Originally established with government funding near Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in 1946, MIRA now bills itself as an International Technology Park for transport-related R&D and includes one of the largest independent proving grounds in the world with more than 35 specialist engineering and test facilities. Most British motorcycle manufacturers used these in the past and it was a familiar venue for specialist bike press testers until its main track and timing straights could no longer cope with the top speeds of many modern machines.
Commenting on the takeover, Horiba chairman, president and chief executive Atsushi Horiba said: “We are pleased that MIRA — a hugely successful business within the automotive sector — has become a member of Horiba Group. MIRA has developed a niche offer within the automotive sector and has an exceptional pool of engineering capabilities, solving complex challenges with customers across the UK, China, Brazil and Korea. We are looking forward to building on this success and investing in MIRA’s long-term vision.”