Portfolio-MAGE Automotive Industry 2025

There is intense competition in the automotive industry for new technologies between Europe and China, as well as Europe and the USA. The industry has been struggling with serious challenges for years; the mandatory transition to electromobility and the stringent European Union regulations present serious obstacles for traditional car manufacturers. What are the biggest challenges that will fundamentally impact domestic operations in the next few years?

In collaboration with our speakers, we are offering a unique opportunity for participants to engage in targeted business networking and relationship-building for the first time this year! Participants with a valid conference registration can apply for a 15-minute one-on-one meeting with selected speakers in a private meeting room at designated times to facilitate and initiate business networking.

Our speakers are available for one-on-one discussions during the following time slots:

Meeting Room I

11:30-12:30 Csaba Göntér, Plant Manager, Feintool System Parts Tokod Kft.
12:30-13:30 Thomas Metz, Vice President Engineering, BOSCH XC Hungary - IN ENGLISH
13:30-14:30 Csaba Purgel, Managing Director, Harman Becker Kft.
14:30-15:30 Róbert Keszte, Head of Operations, Continental Architecture & Networking Business Area
15:30-17:00 Olívia Mesics, Factory Manager, Managing Director, Opel Szentgotthárd Kft.

Meeting Room II

12:00-13:00 Béla Hetzmann, Chairman & CEO, Rába Automotive Holding Nyrt.
13:00-14:00 Csaba Wolf, Vice President, SEMCORP Hungary Kft.
14:00-15:00 József Fenyvesi, General Manager, ElringKlinger Hungary kft
15:00-16:00 Charles Wassen, Dana Hungary Kft. - IN ENGLISH
16:00-17:00 Rita Kenyeresné Vörös, Senior HR Manager, Tenneco

Registration process and requirements:

Please send your application via email to toth@portfolio.hu no later than 7th March.

In the email, please specify the speakers from the list whom you would like to meet in order of preference. You can select multiple speakers; however, each participant will likely have ONE meeting based on the order of preference and the speakers’ preferences.

- For each selected speaker, please provide a brief explanation (1–2 sentences, up to a maximum of 5) stating why you would like to meet and the main goal of the meeting.

- If more participants apply to meet with a speaker than there are available time slots, the decision will always rest with the speaker. If your primary selected speaker is unavailable, we will explore the possibility of arranging a meeting with the following speakers on your list, according to your order of preference. If you are selected by multiple speakers, the meeting will be scheduled according to your order of preference.

- If you agree, we will share your contact details with your selected speakers, regardless of the organised meeting. This way, there will be an opportunity to get in touch even after the event.

- We will notify both parties via email about the details of the scheduled meeting.

Apply as soon as possible – participate in the organised networking and seize new business opportunities to enhance your competitiveness!

In the near future, it will be crucial for the Hungarian automotive industry to monitor how the market share of German car manufacturers in Europe evolves amid the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers. What steps are actors taking to maintain competitiveness in a challenging environment? How successfully has Europe adapted to the transition to electromobility, and where do we stand now?
How can Hungarian suppliers enhance their collaboration with the new Chinese and other Asian companies settling in Hungary in the coming period?

Environmental and sustainability issues, including ESG, present significant challenges for both Hungarian and European automotive companies. Compliance with the new regulations imposes a serious administrative burden, and the carbon dioxide emission quotas will tighten from 2025 while the electric vehicle market has not grown sufficiently. The global pressure of taking steps towards sustainable developments and greening further shapes the global car industry.

Moreover, European energy prices remain significantly higher than those of our competitors, which poses a major disadvantage, especially for energy-intensive manufacturing processes. How do players reshape their energy procurement and use strategies in response to the new challenges? What energy efficiency investments support a cost-efficient operation the most?

Due to the economic recession, companies are facing significant workforce planning challenges. On the one hand, due to declining demand and the pressure to cut costs, many companies are downsizing or minimising new hires. On the other hand, accelerating automation and robotisation are transforming job roles, especially in the industrial and automotive sectors, where technological advancements significantly impact workforce demand.

In this session, we examine how to balance the challenges arising from the recession and the trends in automation. We discuss how companies can prepare their existing employees for new technological requirements, the role of retraining and internal mobility in long-term HR strategy, and the opportunities in workforce planning during this period of dual challenges.

European car manufacturers and their suppliers face a significant challenge in terms of productivity and cost-effective production. Digitising, robotising, and automating is not easy, but it is essential for competing with new facilities where the entire production process is highly automated. How is it being done already, and what opportunities do they offer in staying ahead?

In the field of batteries, European manufacturers have a significant dependency on Asia, and we are considerably lagging in technological development. Are there expected European technological developments that could mitigate this dependency? How can Hungarian businesses join the supply chain?
The resurgence of the defence industry remains a trend that deserves serious attention. What requirements does it impose, and what opportunities does it open up for domestic manufacturers and suppliers?

Stay with us after the professional programmes and cheers at the reception! 
We will guarantee a good atmosphere with gourmet snacks and a wide range of drinks. 
We are looking forward to welcoming you!

On the second day of the conference, we will provide factory visits to several nearby sites on a rotating basis, with a shuttle bus service between sites.

Participation in the factory visits requires registration. You can only book your place if you already have a ticket to the event.

Factory sites:

AUDI HUNGARIA Zrt.,

Dana Győr Driveline,

RÁBA Nyrt.

"Please be advised that the scheduled visit may be subject to cancellation up to 24 hours before the arranged time if it cannot be organised as planned. MBMH cannot be held responsible for any associated costs or damages resulting from such cancellation. Thank you for your understanding!"