Hungarian automotive industry: week 50

Manufacturers

Last week, VW AG presented the world's first plug-in diesel drivetrain in the new Audi Q7.

Audi RS3: powered by an engine manufactured in Győr, Hungary

Three weeks before the end of the year, Audi unveiled the new Ingolstadt-made Audi RS3 Sportback, featuring a 367bhp engine manufactured at the company's Hungarian subsidiary in Győr.

Suppliers

Last week Hankook announced that the company's Ventus S1 evo2 tyres had been selected as the original fitment for the third generation of the Audi TT and TTS models, manufactured at the German premium car maker's Győr-based plant.

The young engineers of SZEngine from Széchenyi István University of Győr unveiled their third-generation engine developed for the Formula Student series, with which they will have the opportunity to participate in the racing series as an engine supplier.

Young engine builders from Széchenyi István University

Last week, Knorr-Bremse Kft., manufacturer of braking systems for railway and commercial vehicles, completed a HUF 1.3 billion (EUR 4.1 million) research and development project.

Last week, Uniriv Kft., Csepreg-based manufacturer of rivets and connectors, LuK Savaria, Szombathely-based manufacturer of clutch systems and flywheels, and Lövő-based Roto Elzett Cert Kft., manufacturer of lock systems and steel structures, launched a dual education programme.

Last week, Szekszárd-based automotive parts manufacturer BHG Alkatrészgyártó Kft. expanded its production hall and carried out technology development with an investment of over HUF 500 million, the company told Hungarian news agency MTI.

In spite of the crisis in Ukraine, Graboplast Zrt. posted a 10 percent increase in their 2014 revenues from the previous year.

Service providers

The Hungarian Vehicle Importers Association (MGE) proposed that in the future electric cars should receive registration plates with a green background.

Last week, Bige Holding acquired 114 trucks and trailers, and now boasts the largest truck fleet in Hungary as a result of a HUF 4 billion investment.

Waberer's follow closely after the company purchased 120 Mercedes Actros vehicles, handed over by the German manufacturer in Kecskemét.

Growing Hungarian hauling fleets

Last week it was reported that the Budapest M0 motorway, which circumvents Budapest, and all Hungarian motorways would become partial toll roads as of January 2015

Young farmers are not so happy about the government's step, while the Hungarian Logistics Association is also requesting the Parliament to reconsider their decision.

More and more Ikarus buses can be seen on the streets of Budapest, and it is likely to further increase in the near future.

More and more Ikarus buses in Budapest

Economy

Fuel prices continued to decrease last week: on Friday, Mol reduced the price of fuel to HUF 350 a litre, while the price of diesel was pushed down to HUF 373 per litre.

The reason for the price drops is deceasing oil prices on the global market: both Russian Brent and American WTI crude oil reached or came near to USD 60 a gallon, which represents a 45 percent drop from the previous year.

According to Hungary's Central Statistical Office, exports in euro terms decreased by 2.1 percent in October, while imports increased by 2.3 percent compared to the previous year. The surplus on trade balance declined by EUR 322 million y/y and amounted to EUR 374 million in October. This means that Hungary's exports decreased, while imports increased in October.

Last week, the forint continued to decline against the euro: by Friday the Hungarian currency weakened to 307 against the euro from 309 registered on Monday.

Our next weekly review will be published on January 12. Until then, autopro.hu wishes all its readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in 2015!