Hungarian automotive industry: week 21
May has been the month of university competitions: several events were held in the first three weeks of the month, including week 21. Last week, we visited Audi Hungaria´s thermal plant, revealed what is in the background of the Alstom deal and presented Győr-based Széchenyi István University´s new electric vehicle.
Although the Széchenyi Race, or ALTrace as it's called now, was cancelled this year, the technological innovations lined up at the Bosch Gokart race held at the Hungaroring and the Pneumobil, held in Eger made amends for everyone concerned and interested in university competitions.
In addition, the Hungarian teams showed an outstanding performance at Shell Eco-marathon in Rotterdam.
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Hungary's strongest effort came from Kecskemét College, who finished fourth at the international competition for alternative fuel vehicles.
On May 19, we paid a visit to Audi Hungaria's plant in Győr, which showcased its new thermal plant to the public for the first time. We learned that most of Audi Hungaria's production halls will be powered by geothermal energy.
The hottest piece of news last week was the Alstom deal. The list companies that have laid their eyes on the French firm's energetics business includes U.S.-based General Electric and German Siemens. Politics also has a say in the outcome, lobbying for one of the parties through the press. The outcome will most certainly affect Alstom's Hungarian suppliers, so it's worth paying attention to how things turn out to be.
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| Audi Hungaria's plant will soon be powered by geothermal energy |
Tech companies are gradually taking over the control over the development of the automotive industry. This is no news anymore, but which sector holds the key to success? Will suppliers, manufacturers or tech companies dictate future developments? Last week we published an analysis on the issue.
Széchenyi István University of Győr presented its own electric car last week. The road-legal vehicle is the fruit of several research programmes at the University. Huge interest surrounds the small electric car nation-wide.
Last week, we also reported on MAJOSZ' annual general meeting, we showcased collaborating robots and revealed Nissan's latest model. We wrote about the advantages of 3D printing and we analysed what car brands are worth on their own.
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| Széchenyi István University presented a new electric car |
We also reported that Bulgaria, the EU's poorest country may be the new Mecca of automotive suppliers.
Last week, the most important piece of news concerning our website was the launch of our new automotive company directory. Our new database now boasts information about over 1,000 companies both in Hungarian and English.
Hungary's currency, the forint stayed in the region of 303 against the euro all week. Should positive investor sentiment be to remain, it is possible that we'll see it near the 300-barrier in the coming days.
According to an international survey conducted by Ranstad, focusing on the labour market of 23 countries, including Hungary's, Hungarians wish to work until they are 57 years old, as opposed to the current retirement age of 65.
