The majority of the largest vehicle manufacturers and suppliers have been present in Hungary and the Government’s goal is to have 20 car industry innovation centres in Hungary until 2018, Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga said at an exhibition in Budapest.
Companies such as Audi Motor Hungaria Ltd, Magyar Suzuki Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Ltd, Opel Magyarország Ltd and several suppliers, R&D and vehicle industry informatics enterprises participated at Automotive Hungary, a vehicle industry exhibition organized for the second time in Budapest.
Mihály Varga said the exhibition may be a vital meeting point for stakeholders of the Hungarian car industry. It has been crucial for Hungary, he added, that vehicle manufacturing shall maintain the impetus of the past years: currently there are 726 related enterprises, which provide jobs for 120 thousand people. 2013 was a year of positive trend-reversal for the sector – as it was for the entire economy – as it expanded by 32 percent over one year. Last year, the car industry produced 10 percent of GDP and 18 percent of export volume.
In the opinion of the Minister, the sector is responding to market challenges with new products and technological developments and Hungary has by now become one of the Europe’s vehicle manufacturing hubs. Market outlook has been encouraging, as demand for cars has been rising world-wide and this process will be also assisted by the successful completion of ongoing EU free trade negotiations.
The Minister stressed that up-to-date vocational training is a pivotal factor; therefore the Government is aiming to create a system that is capable of adjusting to the requirements of companies. The Government has decided to extend the current dual-education system and trainees may already apply to one of seven thousand enterprises.
Jedlik Ányos Plan is a Government blueprint for popularizing hybrid and electric cars.
(Ministry for National Economy)
