Hungarian automotive industry: week 25
Leave supporters win Brexit vote, foreshadowing serious economic consequences. We made interviews before and after the vote, where automakers sent a message about what’s to be expected next.
Brexit
On 23rd June, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, by 52 percent to 48 percent.
The decision will have a significant effect on the country’s strong economic relationship with other nations, among others with Hungary. With a new Jaguar plant announced recently, Slovakia is anxious to see the aftermath of the vote.
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| Jim Doherty |
Prior to the vote we interviewed British businessman and Hungarian resident Jim Doherty, who summarized what a possible Brexit would mean for the industry. One thing is already certain: the CEO of Doherty Hungary has lost his bet.
We also sat down with decision makers from the Hungarian auto industry, who unanimously agreed that Brexit would mean losses for Europe.
Manufacturers
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| Audi Hungaria acknowledges its best trainees |
Audi Hungaria celebrated the 15th anniversary of launching its dual training programme. On this occasion, the Győr-based manufacturer awarded the best trainees in its programme.
Suppliers
Last week, turbocharger systems manufacturer Sicta handed over a €4 million investment near Miskolc and announced yet another development project of similar magnitude.
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| Sicta hands over development project, announces new one |
The Rail Systems Budapest division of Knorr-Bremse announced a HUF 5.3 billion R&D project. The investment will create 300 jobs in Budapest, boosting the site’s headcount to over 1,500 people.
Service providers
Waberer’s founder and CEO György Wáberer announced his retirement last week as leader of the company. His retirement will bring about a restructuring in ownership, provided it gets approved by the company’s shareholders.
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| Waberer's founder György Wáberer to retire |
The British Embassy’s Trade Development section took part in the Automechanika Birmingham event with a number of promoted partners. Commercial consultant Roland Dávid said what kind of opportunities they offer for stimulating Hungarian-British business relations.
Education
1 kW/h energy is normally enough for a hungry man to warm his lunch, but the SZEnergy Team took it a few steps further: using so little energy the team’s self-developed vehicle is capable of covering the distance between Győr and Sopron (about 90 kilometres) twice.
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| Student teams hard at work this summer |
Kefo Motorsport will participate in three races this year: following two events in Hungary, they will take to the east to take part in Formula Student Russia, financing their trip using the prize money they won at TechTogether.
