Hungarian automotive industry: week 48 2021

Schaefller has announced plans to invest more than HUF 5 billion in its Szombathely plant to build a 6,200sqm logistics centre and 2,200sqm complex, housing offices, changing rooms, a restaurant and conference hall suitable for international events.

Hans-Peter Kemser has been appointed as the plant director of BMW AG’s new Debrecen unit, currently under construction.

Last week saw the signing of an agreement on skill development in Hungary’s battery industry. The agreement is set to establish the European Battery Alliance’s (EBA) adult, vocational and tertiary training programmes in Hungary.

Volkswagen has announced plans to spend €25-30 billion on battery manufacturing plants and a stable material supply chain in Europe. The OEM has pledged to build six battery plants in Europe by the end of the decade to support the electrification of its model portfolio.

Although Stellantis-member Opel has assured its employees about no mass layoffs until the end of 2022 for reasons of cost efficiency, it has reserved the right to terminate an earlier agreement that would have guaranteed job security until the middle of the decade.

In 2022, 60 electric buses will enter service at six county seats as part of the Green Bus Programme. The vehicles will be purchased with a total support of HUF 8.6 billion.

Year on year, the volume of imported used cars grew significantly in November. Demand is driven by the low supply caused by the chip shortage, and many potential customers are turning to buying used cars instead.

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association has released an official statement with its proposals reflecting to the EU’s stricter emission rules, highlighting the risk of exposing low-volume manufacturers to unachievable requirements.