Hungarian automotive industry: week 9
Last week saw the inauguration of a new training centre at Audi Hungaria and an announcement from Opel to build a training shop in Szentgotthárd. Rába reported on the launch of production of chassis components for fire engines, while a number of suppliers announced plans to start hiring in Hungary.
Manufacturers
Last week, we tested the petrol and diesel variants of the new Hungarian-built Suzuki SX4 S-Cross.
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General Motors announced last week to build a new training centre in Szentgotthárd, Hungary, with an investment of EUR 1.2 million.
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| Péter Szijjártó Péter, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (right), Colleen Bell, US Ambassador to Hungary (centre), and Joachim Koschnicke, GM vice president of European goverment relations (left) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
On February 26, Audi Hungaria handed over a new training shop, which will join the company's existing dual education programme to train CNC technicians for future employment.
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| Ákos Kara, Secretary of State for infocommunications and consumer protection, Erzsébet Knáb, director of Audi Hungaria responsible for human relations, and Dávid Fekete, Vice-mayor of Győr, at the new Audi Hungaria PTC |
Having received the first order, BM Heros-Rába can now begin the manufacture of fire engines, which were designed to meet domestic requirements with their outstanding driving and off-road capabilities, announced the company on its website last week.
Last week, we tested the new Kia Sorento. We believe that the diesel-powered 200bhp 7-door premium SUV could cause a significant stir in the premium segment.
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We also tested the Seat Leox X-Perience, which we think is the brand's most exciting model yet.
Suppliers
Last week, Eagle Ottawa Hungary Kft. CEO Bryn Kahrl signed a HUF 9 billion (EUR 30 million) investment contract with Ferenc Szalay, Mayor of Szolnok on a development project to double production capacity at the company's Hungarian subsidiary.
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Tyre manufacturer Apollo Tyres announced last week that it had started recruitment of new employees. The company said earlier that it would hire 250 people for the new tyre manufacturing plant in Gyöngyöshalász, Hungary.
Swedish seat belt manufacturer Autoliv has also announced plans to expand its plant in Sopronkövesd, Hungary, which will create 700 new jobs at the company´s Hungarian subsidiary.
Service providers
Last week marks the end of the test period of the Electronic Trade and Transport Control System (EKÁER) despite claims by several professional associations that the system is "unfit" for operation.
BKK announced last week that each 28 hybrid Volvo bus has entered operation in Budapest, representing one of the largest hybrid fleets in European public transport.
Economy
According to a survey by Ernst&Young and the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry published on February 25, corruption is an organic part of business among Hungarian middle-sized and large companies.
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| HUF/EUR - week 9 - portfolio.hu |
The forint gained strength against the euro last week. The Hungarian currency traded at 306 against the euro on Monday and saw a major step up to 303 by Friday afternoon.
