Hungary’s economy is set to receive a significant boost as BMW prepares to launch mass production at its Debrecen factory this autumn. According to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, all necessary infrastructure and equipment are now in place, paving the way for the German automaker’s first-ever production run of an entirely electric vehicle at the site.
Following discussions with BMW executives, including Milan Nedeljković, a board member responsible for production, and Head of the Debrecen plant Hans-Peter Kemser, Szijjártó highlighted that BMW’s global focus is currently on Debrecen. ‘The success of the Debrecen plant is critical for the entire BMW Group during this revolutionary period in the automotive industry, where the transition to electric mobility is the key challenge,’ he stated.
The factory’s launch is expected to have a significant economic impact not just for Hungary but for the entire region. Szijjártó stressed that BMW’s expansion will generate further investments in education and workforce development, particularly at the University of Debrecen and local vocational training institutions, which play a crucial role in supplying skilled labour to the company.
BMW already employs over 2,000 people in Hungary, and as production scales up, job opportunities are expected to increase further. The Hungarian government has fulfilled all commitments related to infrastructure development, including energy supply and transportation networks, to ensure the plant’s smooth operation. One remaining project, a container terminal, is scheduled for completion by September. Additionally, Debrecen’s airport is expected to handle increased traffic due to the factory’s operations.
Discussions also touched on broader economic and regulatory challenges affecting the European automotive industry. Szijjártó criticized recent EU decisions that, in his view, have undermined the sector’s competitiveness. He specifically pointed to tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, arguing that these measures have created difficulties for European automakers as well.
In response, Hungary supports legal action against the European Commission’s tariff policies, siding with major car manufacturers that are challenging the decision before the European Court of Justice.
Szijjártó also highlighted the impact of evolving global economic policies, particularly the shift towards protectionism in the United States. He urged EU leaders to take proactive steps to ensure Europe remains competitive in the global market rather than adopting a passive stance.
Hungary and BMW are committed to maintaining close cooperation on issues affecting the European automotive sector. As one of the leading players in European car manufacturing, Hungary sees the performance of its automotive industry as a key factor in the country’s overall economic success.
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