Hungarian automotive industry: week 5
Graboplast expands in Tatabánya, state support greenlighted for Audi investment in Győr, Hungary´s public transport on the verge of strikes, government appoints new secretary of state for public education.
Manufacturers
A €133.3 million state aid provided by the Hungarian government for an Audi expansion in Győr has been found to comply with EU regulations, the European Commission said last week following a detailed investigation.
Last week, we tested the BMW 320d Touring. The all-time favourite company car of mid-managers could soon be a popular choice for young dads. Our test car was powered by a capable 2-litre diesel power plant.
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According to data released by Datahouse, in the first month of 2016, 6,875 new passenger cars and SUVs were registered, up 10.28 percent (641 units) from the same month the year before. Hungary's favourite brands are: Ford (905 units), Suzuki (677), Opel (638), Skoda (578) and Suzuki (509).
Hungarian-made models are crawling up the list, the best-selling car is once again the Suzuki Vitara, assembled in Esztergom.
Suppliers
Last year, Graboplast produced automotive floorings for 21,000 buses and posted a revenue of HUF 18 billion. Graboplast has inaugurated a new production plant in Tatabánya that will be engaged in the manufacturing of premium flooring systems.
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| Grabo opens new plant in Tatabánya |
The town of Hatvan handed out awards to recognize local businesses for their achievements in public and social responsibility. The Business of the Year 2015 award went to major automotive supplier Robert Bosch Elektronika Kft.
Nyírbátor's revenues from business tax have quadrupled in the last 15 years – a dynamic growth driven by aircraft parts supplier Diehl.
The Government launched a large business investment programme, supporting large businesses with no access to European Union funds with a total allocation of HUF 3 billion in 2015, and an additional HUF 15 billion this year. The announcement was made last week by Minister of National Economy Mihály Varga.
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| Diehl drives economic growth in Nyírbátor region |
Service providers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) launched a new service on February 1: the new app allows users to search for reliable vehicle repair centres.
Negotiations between employers and trade unions have begun on wages at Volán companies. The two parties have vastly different expectations, and the tense situation could easily result in work stoppages.
If no agreement is reached that is favourable for railway unions, those working at railway companies could also go on strike similarly to Volán employees.
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| Hungary's public transport faces major crisis |
On 1 February 2016, the Hungarian Road Transport Association (MKFE) has unilaterally terminated a collective agreement made with the National Union of International and Professional Drivers, affecting a number of employers.
And now something positive: BI-KA Logisztika Kft. has reported on a 11 percent (HUF 620 million) increase to HUF 5.9 billion in its 2015 revenues, thus further increasing its role in the hauling and logistics sector.
Education
Gödöllő-based university team BC Team is preparing for two competitions this year: the 6th MVM Energy Race and the 2nd AltRace. Additionally, the team is also working on an electric Formula Student racer, team leader Bence Horváth told Autopro last week in an interview.
The high-tech laboratory of Edutus College is used for educational and research purposes as well as corporate applications, including the manufacturing of Lamborghini body components. We paid a visit to the laboratory, which also manufactures purpose-built elements for Lamborghini parts manufactured at Audi Hungaria.
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| BI-KA logistics reports on major growth in 2015 |
László Palkovics, secretary of state for higher education, has been appointed secretary of state for public education. His predecessor, Judit Czunyi, will continue work as commissioner for digital economy and society.
Economy
Labour market expert Hays has carried out a global survey on gender discrimination at the workplace. It has been found that according to men and young people. there is hardly any discrimination at the workplace. Women, of course, see the situation differently.
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| Visiting Edutus laser lab in Tatabánya |
Hungary's industrial production output grew by 9.4 percent in December 2015 compared to the same period in the previous year, while year-on-year performance increased by 7.5 percent.
