Dear members of the industry sector «Automotive»
Dear members of the industry sector «Swiss Machine Tool Manufacturers»
Dear guests
The automotive industry is one of the cornerstones of Hungary’s economy, contributing roughly 21% of its total exports and involving over 700 companies with around 100,000 people employed. Major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Opel and since last autumn BMW have large production facilities in Hungary, embedding the country deeply in the European automotive production and supply chain. In 2026 the Chinese BYD should start the serial production in its new plant in Szeged.
Our trip is to explore the business opportunities, these investments mean for Swiss automotive companies and Swiss machine tool manufacturers.
Our offer:
- The Fact-Finding Trip provides an in-depth look into the Hungarian automotive market, offering insights into key business opportunities, tailored matchmaking activities, and exclusive high-level networking possibilities
- The mission focuses on exploring Hungary’s E-Vehicle landscape, including site visits to leading OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, as well as structured meet-and-greet and speed-dating sessions with potential partners.
- A highlight of the mission will be a high-level event at the Swiss Embassy, hosted by the Swiss Ambassador to Hungary, HE Alexander Renggli, bringing together all participants in a prestigious networking setting.
- Participants will also benefit from a presentation on Hungary’s investment ecosystem and available investment funds, complemented by a visit to an already established Swiss investor in the country, providing practical insights and firsthand experience.
- On-site visits to the Hungarian manufacturing facilities of Swiss companies, including Sensirion and Phoenix Mecano.
We would be happy, if you take the opportunity to join this fact finding trip.
📢 Register here
Best regards,
Frank Rothe, President Industry Group Automotive
Michael Koller, Secretary General Industry Group Automotive
Frank Rothe, President Industry Group Automotive
Michael Koller, Secretary General Industry Group Automotive
Christoph Blättler, Secretary General Industrie Sector Swiss Machine Tool Manufacturers
Date
Sunday, October 4, 2026 to Thursday, October 8, 2026
Tentative program
Program: Sunday, October 4, 2026
12:25-14:05 h Arrival Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Airport (to be booked by yourself)
15:00 h Transfer from Budapest Airport-Debrecen
18:00 h Check-in hotel in Debrecen
19:00 h Walk to the restaurant
19:30-21:00 h Dinner with Mayor and the Invest Agency of Debrecen (tbc)
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Program: Monday, October 5, 2026
08:00 h Check-out and transfer
08:30-11:30 h Visit at BMW
11:00-12:30 h Visit at CATL
13:00 h Lunch at Sensirion (Meeting with Mayor and the Invest Agency of Debrecen)
14:30-15:30 h Visit at Sensirion
16:00-18:30 h Transfer Debrecen-Budapest
18:30-19:30 h Check-in hotel near Swiss Embassy
19:00 h Walk to the Embassy
19:30-21:30 h Reception dinner at the Swiss Residence Embassy of Switzerland
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Program: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
07:30 h Check-out
07:45-09:15 h Transfer Budapest-Kecskemet
09:30-18:00 h Visit at Daimler
12:00-13:30 h Lunch
14:00-15:30 h Visit at Knorr Bremse
16:00-17:30 h Visit at Phoenix Mecano
17:30-18:45 h Transfer Kecskemet-Szeged
19:00 h Check-in hotel in Szeged
19:30-20:00 h Walk to the restaurant
20:00-22:00 h Dinner
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Program: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
08:00 h Check-out and transfer
09:00-11:00 h Visit at BYD, Szeged
11:00-13:00 h Lunch with BYD representatives
13:00-15:30 h Transfer Szeged-Budapest
15:30-17:30 h Briefing on Hungary / Automotive Industriy with HIPA and Association of Hungarian Automotive
Component Manufacturers (HIPA HQ)
17:30-18:00 h Transfer to the hotel
18:00-18:30 h Check-in hotel near the Danube/Pest
19:30-20:00 h Walk to the boat dock
20:00-21:30 h Boat trip on the Danube
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optional Program: Thursday, October 8, 2026
'08:15 h Check-out and transfer
09:00-11:00 h Visit at Bosch R&D / AUMOVIO AI Development Center
11:30-12:00 h Transfer to the Airport
14:50-16:30 h Flight BUD-ZRH
Alternative: Flight BUD-ZRH at 09:30 h / return to Switzerland
Costs & Services
The participation fees are charged per participant and are based on a minimum number of ten (10) participants:
- Members of SIS-Automotive: CHF 1'750.00 per person (excl. flights)
- Non-SIS-Automotive members: CHF 2'000.00 per person (excl. flights)
Prices may vary: Cost cap: CHF 3,000
Included
- Organisation & Accompanying
- Accomodations
- Meals
- Reception at the Embassy
- Domestic transfers during the Business Mission
Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the respective starting and ending points of the event.
The organisation, booking and payment of these transfers are the sole responsibility of the participants.
Disclaimer
Your registration is considered binding. Cancellation fees will be charged for cancellations after the registration deadline.
Audio, image and video recordings will be made at this event. These will be processed, stored and publicly distributed.
Registration
Please register by June 26, 2026 at the latest. Thank you.
Contacts
Contacts Swissmem:
Michael Koller, Secretary General Industry Group »Automotive»
m.kollernoSpam@swissmem.ch; Telephone: +41 44 384 48 27
Christoph Blättler, Secretary General Industry Group «Swiss Machine Tool Manufacturers»
c.blaettlernoSpam@swissmem.ch; Telephone: + 41 44 384 48 25
Doris Anthenien, Lawyer
d.antheniennoSpam@swissmem.ch; Telephone: + 41 44 384 48 06
Contact Swiss Global Enterprise:
Katalin Dreher-Hajnal, Cluster Head DACH + CEE
KDrehernoSpam@s-ge.com; Telephone +41 44 365 52 83