Minister of Innovation and Technology László Palkovics initiated cooperation between the members of the automotive industry on Wednesday at the Automotive international automotive industry and supplier expo, to form a coalition to review the effects of new European pollutant emission regulations on the Hungarian automotive industry and draw up a proposal with relation to the feasibility of target figures.

At a press conference on the topic, the Minister told reporters that at the session of the Environmental Council in early October, a decision was made to reduce the pollutant emissions of vehicles by 35 percent by 2030, compared to the 2021 level, with exemption afforded to small-volume, so-called niche manufacturers, which in Hungary includes Suzuki. A decision was also made to review targets at half time, in 2023.

Mr. Palkovics highlighted the fact that Hungary regards the implementation of the Paris climate protection agreement, which also requires the reduction of pollutant emissions in transport, as important. The Hungarian position included a reduction of 30 percent, and Hungary abstained during the vote, indicating that it continues to regard 30 percent as an acceptable level and does not support other figures.

“We succeeded in assuring that niche manufacturers will receive exemption, and accordingly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade regards the decision as a diplomatic success, while the Ministry of Innovation and Technology regards it as a success for innovation policy”, the Minister emphasised.

At the press conference, Executive Secretary of the Hungarian Automobile Industry Association (MAGE) Csaba Kilián said cooperation between those involved was necessary, adding that the development of new transport technologies to enable the reduction of pollutant emissions in research and development, and the infrastructure required for alternative drives, including the construction of charging stations and the necessary legal regulations, were absolutely essential.

President of the National Alliance of Hungarian Vehicle Parts Manufacturers (MAJOSZ) József Nyírő also stated that in his opinion the proliferation of vehicles with alternative drives would help reduce pollutant emissions. He drew attention to the fact that the development and digitalisation of the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, which represents a significant ratio of automotive industry suppliers, must be assisted.

(MTI)