The Hungarian automobile industry: towards an understanding of the transition to electromobility

Authors: John Szabo, András Deák, Andrea Szalavetz and Gábor Túry

In: Galgóczi, B. (ed) On the way to electromobility – a green(er) but more unequal future? ETUI aisbl, Brussels. pp. 241-264.

Abstract

The chapters of this book entitled On the way to electromobility – a green(er) but more unequal future? reveal the depth of the changes taking place at national level as well as at that of the main manufacturers and suppliers in the context of fierce cost and technological competition. The study also provides a comparative overview of the main manufacturers and regions in Europe regarding the mostly generalist volume producers in France and Italy, the predominantly premium manufacturers in Germany and the integrated periphery in central and eastern Europe. While in the last twenty years manufacturers from all regions have seen a decrease in the number of cars sold, automotive employment has remained stable in Germany but seen deep losses in France and Italy.

Central and eastern Europe, the main beneficiary of the post-enlargement expansion of the automotive industry, is now facing an uncertain future. The region is vulnerable and dependent on decisions made in headquarters locations. While some countries see potential in keeping the combustion engine alive for longer – thereby risking long-term competitiveness – others are embracing the transition to e-mobility by embarking on strong supplier positions, for example in battery manufacturing.