Hungarian automotive industry: week 1
In 2016, we continue our weekly recap of the most important news stories from Hungary´s automotive industry. The auto sector kicked off 2016 with a number of important announcements.
Manufacturers
In 2015, Suzuki sold 7,500 cars in Hungary, increasing its market share to nearly 10 percent in the local passenger car market. The company's success is partly a result of the outstanding popularity of the new Vitara and growing fleet sales.
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| Suzuki sales boost driven by new Vitara |
Although Audi's global plans include cutting back on investments, the German premium manufacturer is expecting a record-breaking year and further developments in Hungary and promised to keep its current headcount.
The company held an open day last week, allowing us to gain an insight into their latest just-in-time logistics processes and engine manufacturing.
Suppliers
Budapest-based Járműszerelvényt Gyártó Kft. continues to develop in Tiszavasvár. The company announced plans to build a new production hall and carry out technology development.
FHL Björn Hungary, a direct supplier of the Volkswagen group, has purchased new equipment with a HUF 200 million investment.
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| Audi Hungaria holds open day to showcase advanced logistics systems |
The Castle Bromwich, Solihull and Halewood plants of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) group have a number of Hungary-based suppliers. This was revealed at a supplier event held by the manufacturer last week in Budaörs, where the company presented some of its major suppliers.
Bridgestone Tatabánya Termelő Kft. has announced plans to aim for becoming the largest OEM tyre supplier in Hungary and the CEE region by doubling its production capacity by 2020 with a €276 million investment launched in 2013.
Electric motoring
Budapest public transport company BKV will launch 20 new electric Modulo buses this year. The vehicles were developed by engineering firm evopro, and are manufactured by Mabi-Bus Kft., using a powertrain system supplied by Siemens Zrt.
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| BKV to expand fleet with electric Modulo buses |
It seems that Hungary still needs time to fully embrace green motoring. Despite a relatively high media attention surrounding fast chargers, their everyday use still poses a challenge to motorists.
