Hideto Nakajima

Hideto Nakajima

  • Joined: 2025-06-16
  • Articles: 33

European Manufacturers in Hungary: From Autos to Food—The Latest Developments

Hungary has become one of Europe’s hottest manufacturing destinations, attracting major investments from German, French, Swiss, and Nordic companies. From Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW’s billion-euro EV projects to Nestlé’s pet-food expansion and LEGO’s sustainable packaging hub, European manufacturers are turning Hungary into a Central European production powerhouse. This article explores the latest developments, investments, and strategic trends shaping Hungary’s industrial future in 2025.

Latest Developments of South Korean Manufacturing Companies in Hungary

South Korea has emerged as one of Hungary’s most influential industrial partners, driving major investment in EV batteries, tires, automotive components, and electronics. Companies like Samsung SDI and SK On are building Europe’s largest battery ecosystem, while Hankook and Kumho are expanding tire production to meet growing demand. Alongside industrial giants, food manufacturer CJ CheilJedang and others are diversifying Korea’s footprint across Hungary. Supported by government incentives and strategic cooperation, these projects have made Hungary a key European hub for Korean innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Chinese Manufacturers in Hungary and the Latest Developments

Hungary is emerging as a key hub for Chinese manufacturing investment in Europe. Major players such as BYD, CATL, and NIO are building or expanding EV and battery plants, while companies like Lenovo and Wanhua Chemical are strengthening their European bases. With investments ranging from hundreds of millions to several billion euros and projects creating thousands of jobs, Hungary has become a strategic gateway for Chinese firms thanks to government incentives and its strong automotive industrial base.

Trends in Manufacturing Investment by Foreign Companies in the Czech Republic

Since 2025, the Czech Republic has witnessed a surge of foreign manufacturing investments in high-tech sectors such as electric vehicles, batteries, and semiconductors. Companies from Europe, the U.S., and Asia are building new plants and expanding capacity, backed by government incentives and the country’s central European location. These projects, ranging from multibillion-dollar semiconductor fabs to new EV battery plants, are creating thousands of jobs and reinforcing the Czech Republic’s role as a manufacturing hub in Europe.

Latest Trends in Manufacturing Investment by Foreign Companies in Slovakia

Slovakia, often called the “Detroit of Europe,” continues to attract large-scale foreign manufacturing investment. Since 2025, global companies from Europe, the U.S., Korea, and China have expanded their presence, particularly in electric vehicles and battery industries. Major projects include Volvo’s €1.2 billion EV plant near Košice, Hyundai Mobis’ new EV module factory in Nováky, and Gotion-InoBat’s €1.2 billion battery gigafactory in Šurany, together creating thousands of new jobs and reinforcing Slovakia’s role as a Central European hub for green and high-tech industries.

R&D Centers and Activities of Japanese Automakers and Parts Suppliers in Europe

Japanese automakers and Tier1 suppliers have built a strong R&D presence across Europe, complementing their local production bases. Companies such as Toyota, Nissan, and Honda operate major technical centers that drive vehicle development, advanced technologies, and adaptation to European regulations and customer needs. As electrification and CASE innovations accelerate, these R&D hubs are becoming even more critical to shaping the future of mobility in Europe.

Accelerating Foreign Manufacturing Investments in Hungary

Since 2025, Hungary has seen a surge of foreign manufacturing investments beyond Asia, led by Germany, the US, Switzerland, the UK, and Denmark. Projects include BMW’s €2 billion EV plant in Debrecen, Mercedes-Benz’s €1 billion Kecskemét expansion, GKN’s new driveshaft factory, Stadler’s rail vehicle hub, LEGO’s large-scale packaging plant, Verbio’s green catalyst facility, GE Vernova’s power equipment upgrades, and Emerson’s expanded R&D centers. Backed by government incentives and EU decarbonization goals, these investments highlight Hungary’s growing role as a European hub for EVs, green technologies, and nearshoring.