HIPA Automotive Conference 2026

The Hungarian automotive industry is already adept in all technologies, and thanks to developments over the past decade and a half, it faces a secure future and could become one of the most important players in Europe, according to what has been said at the HIPA Automotive Conference 2026 in Budapest, where leading industry figures discussed the latest trends.

In his opening remarks, Government Commissioner and CEO of the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), István Joó highlighted that in 2025, more automotive industry investments were secured with the agency’s assistance than ever before. These projects, 27 in total, represent an investment volume of EUR 1.1 billion and will create 3,600 new jobs.

The HIPA CEO underlined that the long-term future of the Hungarian automotive industry is clearly secured. Domestic plants are already capable of “manufacturing anything”, vehicles powered by traditional internal combustion engines, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles. Thus, the next major phase of investment promotion is on the horizon, in which the government will once again seek partnerships with industry players.

He explained that in this new phase, supplier collaborations with Hungarian-owned companies must be strengthened. To this end, the government is currently working on a new form of support specifically designed to encourage supplier partnerships. Research and development activities also need to be strengthened, and more automotive industry players should establish business service centers in Hungary.

At the same time, the government is offering a partnership to the sector on the European Union stage, in the EU legislative process.

"We will continue to represent the interests of the Hungarian automotive industry in Brussels with the utmost determination; you can count on us in 2026, just as we count on you in the development of Hungary’s economy," István Joó emphasized.