Hungarian automotive industry: week 24
Industry 4.0, bus manufacturing, addressing skills shortage: these were just some of the hot topics in the 24th week this week. Let’s recap what the third week of June brought in Hungary’s automotive sector.
Manufacturers
Audi Hungaria launches original equipment engine manufacturing in Győr: one of the novelties of original equipment engine manufacturing is that an engine is assembled from scratch by a single worker.
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The good news was followed by bad news. It seems Budapest refuses to buy from the buses that were designed especially for the capital’s requirements.
The Modulo M168d model was developed with community transportation requirements related to the renovation of metro line 3 in mind. However, it looks like now that Hungary’s capital has no intention to make a purchase.
Suppliers
Last week, we interviewed István Ács, the CEO of Bosch Rexroth Kft. The topics included whether Hungarian firms are prepared for the challenges of Industry 4.0, how to find and keep high-quality manpower and how much Hungarian know-how is worth in the global market.
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| István Ács |
Szombathely-based BPW-Hungária Kft. is committed to reducing the company’s environmental footstep, an initiative bringing about numerous investments in the last few years.
In the spirit of sustainable development, the company started the construction of a solar-powered mini power plant for in-house energy supply. The power plant is capable of producing electricity enough to supply 185 families.
Alcoa has built a service centre in Székesfehérvár with a €1.1 billion investment. The supplier announced in September 2015 that it will split into two individual market-leading firms, Alcoa and Arconic.
Service providers
Last week, we interviewed Róbert Ésik, the chairman of the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), who said the agency has been working hard to invite to the same discussion the decision makers of global automotive giants with a presence in Hungary with the representatives of local small and medium-sized enterprises.
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| Róbert Ésik, chairman of the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency |
Although skills shortage is a common challenge for automotive players, there are promising exceptions. Toolmaker Pekárik Szerszámgép Kereskedelmi Kft. is set to launch its in-house training programme in 2017.
According to company’s CEO, they will train professionals who will be capable of the handling, programming, maintenance and servicing of increasingly complex machinery.
It was reported last week that Hungarian railway company MÁV is looking for partners for the manufacture of 120 IC+ coaches, has plans to settle wages and introduce more advanced railway services.
Himile handed over its new European headquarters in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. A company engaged in the production of vulcanized tyre moulds, Himile develops its products in cooperation with leading tyre manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli.
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Last week, the Hungarian government accepted a bus manufacturing action plan that includes a public procurement programme by Volán companies within three years.
According to economic daily Világgazdaság, the initiative would allow Hungarian bus manufacturers to receive predictable order volumes.
The action plant would allocate a budget of HUF 35 billion (€110 million) for transport companies. The initiative is in line with the government’s plan to purchase some 1,000–1,200 new buses for inland use.
British-owned packaging technologies firm Mondi Kft. is investing HUF 13 billion into its existing plant in Békéscsaba, installing new technologies, buying new production lines and building a new production hall, storage unit and logistics centre. The company will create 220 jobs as a result.
Education
Arrabona Racing Team of Széchenyi István University of Győr is preparing for this year’s Formula Student Hungary with a new car.
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Although we still have to wait a few days for the unveiling ceremony, the team captain has disclosed to us a few details about the team’s latest effort: aerodinamically optimized body, diffusor, electro-pneumatic actuators, tailor-made steering wheel, improved telemetry system, aluminium axle stubs and hubs and weight optimization are just some of the improvements the new racing car will bring over last year’s entry.
Production line
Last week, we also interviewed Róbert Vitányi, the CEO of Schunk’s Hungarian subsidiary.
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The chief-executive of the company engaged in workholding and clamping solutions said that eventually even those companies who initially opt for cheaper solutions end up knocking on their door.
