Reliable Long-Term Partner in Car Trade

Emil Frey Group Hungary, the Hungarian subsidiary of Swiss-based Emil Frey AG, began operating in Budapest in 1993. Its Country Director, György Balkányi and Emil Frey Hungary Retail Managing Director, Andrea Pethő outline to Diplomacy&Trade how the company has developed over more than three decades, from initially dealing in Toyota retail sales to now importing ten new car brands, among other activities like the sale and servicing of quality motor vehicles.

Highlighting the most important chapters in company history, Andrea Pethő notes that “in 1997, four years after opening our first Toyota dealership, the Emil Frey Group became the importer of Subaru in Hungary, followed by Mitsubishi in 2005. In 2006, we took possession of the brand-new building complex currently used by Toyota, a place that meets the highest standards in terms of both technology and appearance. In 2013, we expanded with another brand, as the Emil Frey Group began selling and servicing Mazda cars in Hungary.”
György Balkányi adds that “the next milestone was the acquisition of the import rights for the renowned Citroën and Peugeot brands in 2016, when the huge M5 Center showroom and service center located next to the M5 motorway also became the property of the Emil Frey Group. The exclusive DS dealership also opened there in 2019 when our group acquired the import rights for the French premium brand. In 2022, more big-name Stellantis brands were added to the Emil Frey Group's portfolio, bringing the number of brands we distributed to nine and the number of brands sold in retail to 11.”

He explains that Emil Frey AG is a family-owned Swiss corporation that has been serving its customers conscientiously for over 100 years. Founded in 1924 by Emil Frey, the company has grown from a modest car dealership into one of Europe's largest automotive groups, demonstrating its flexibility and adaptability. Representing a number of well-known car brands, Emil Frey AG has become a major player in the new and used vehicle markets, as well as in financing and customer service. “The Emil Frey Group in Hungary is a proud member of the Swiss-based Emil Frey AG group of companies. We represent major and renowned European, American, Japanese and Chinese brands such as Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Leapmotor, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Subaru. As an importer of now ten global brands, we have a solution for every customer need, from small cars to SUVs, premium vehicles and vans. We sell around 100 different models and their body and engine variants to private customers, small businesses and multinational companies alike.”

Personal relationship with customers
The company's organizational structure allows it to establish the most personal relationship possible with its customers. As to what that means in practice, Andrea Pethő first quotes the company's founder, Emil Frey, who wrote in 1935 that "our business philosophy is based on selling only quality goods and services to our customers at favorable prices, (…) and our customers can be sure that they are getting the right service for their money.” Although the world has changed a lot since 1935, these goals remain unchanged to this day, she says.
She stresses that “our primary goal is to be there for our customers in the long term with products that offer excellent value for money and, above all, excellent service. The quality and reliability of the brands we distribute, as well as the technology and design of the models, guarantee that our customers will find a reliable long-term partner. Our showrooms and service centers provide a highly qualified technical background that makes driving truly enjoyable and carefree.”

Leapmotor introduced in Hungary
The latest brand distributed by the company (from this June) is Leapmotor. “Following the Swiss market, Emil Frey AG has become the official importer of Leapmotor, the successful and innovative Chinese electric and REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) vehicle brand, in Hungary and several other countries in the Central European region, including Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and the Czech Republic. The strategic partnership between the Emil Frey Group and Leapmotor opens an exciting new chapter in sustainable mobility in Hungary, offering innovative, affordable electric and REEV vehicles. Over the past year, Leapmotor has made significant progress in the European market with the introduction of its T03 and C10 electric and REEV models. These models stand out from other Chinese electric and REEV cars on the European market not only for their competitive pricing, but also for their rich features and advanced technology, so we are confident that they will also win the trust of Hungarian buyers,” György Balkányi points out.

Leapmotor features models equipped with cutting-edge electric technologies, outstanding efficiency and safety, and a range of intelligent solutions. The C10 SUV is the first Leapmotor model designed for global sales, in accordance with international safety and design standards. This model is the perfect choice for those who are looking to switch to an electric car and want a true family vehicle. The Stellantis commercial network provides reassuring assistance and other services to customers, ensuring that the C10 provides affordable mobility for the whole family. Leapmotor's new D-SUV model has everything you would expect from a modern family car today: outstanding safety in its class, an intelligent user experience and premium comfort. The C10 is built on the LEAP 3.0 platform developed by Leapmotor, which features the best of intelligent electric technologies – a centrally integrated electronic system, Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) design and the brand's pride and joy, the intelligent cockpit.

The Leapmotor C10 model is also available in a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) version. This technology combines the advantages of electric vehicles and traditional gasoline-powered cars, offering a hybrid solution that meets a wide range of consumer needs. The Leapmotor C10 REEV is equipped with a 158 kW (215 hp) electric motor and a 1.5-liter internal combustion generator. The total combined range exceeds 970 km.
The T03 is also guaranteed to attract attention. Overall, the T03 is an attractive alternative for customers looking for a city car, as its small size allows it to navigate heavy traffic with ease, while offering a modern electric drive at a truly competitive price, György Balkányi summarizes.

A corporate partner
He emphasizes that the Emil Frey Group is also a mobility partner for businesses, for whom customer satisfaction is paramount. “The Emil Frey Group has more than a hundred brand dealers and brand service partners working nationwide to ensure that customers who choose the global brands we represent receive the highest possible level of service in line with our founder's philosophy, and that we can provide continuous support throughout the entire life cycle of the vehicles. No matter where a company operates, you are sure to find a dealership or service center representing a brand distributed by Emil Frey nearby. Our knowledgeable sales team helps our partners find the optimal solution to meet their mobility needs. Customized financing options, service and maintenance contracts, and brand-specific comprehensive insurance options round out our group's fleet offerings. We are dynamically developing our fleet services to simplify vehicle procurement for companies and, through our partners, provide multi-brand, comprehensive product support to ensure the mobility that is essential for businesses.”