Tag EV

Summary of New Investments and Expansion Trends in European Manufacturing

While Europe’s manufacturing sector is often portrayed as being in decline, investment activity tells a more nuanced story. In Central and Eastern Europe in particular, new projects in electric vehicles, batteries, defense, and high-value manufacturing continue to move forward. This article reviews major new investments and expansion projects announced between late 2025 and early 2026, with a focus on Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

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.

Overseas Manufacturing Investments in Poland Accelerating

Since 2025, Poland has attracted major foreign manufacturing investments across EV batteries, renewable energy, semiconductors, consumer goods, and food. Projects by U.S., Chinese, Korean, European, and Taiwanese companies highlight Poland’s role as a nearshoring hub and a key player in Europe’s green and digital industrial transition.

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.

Investment Trends of South Korean Manufacturers in Hungary

Hungary is rapidly becoming a key European hub for South Korean manufacturing, with major investments in EV batteries, semiconductors, metal materials, electronics, and home appliances. Projects include SK On’s €2 billion battery plant in Iváncsa, Samsung SDI’s €1 billion expansion in Göd, EcoPro BM’s cathode facility in Debrecen, and Solus Advanced Materials’ copper foil capacity boost. This article provides an overview of investment amounts, construction progress, and operational timelines for Korea’s flagship projects across Hungary.

Chinese Manufacturing Investments in Hungary After 2025: Current Status and Outlook

Hungary has become a key hub for Chinese manufacturing investment in Europe, attracting major projects in EV batteries, vehicle assembly, steel, and electronics. As of 2025, over €16 billion in Chinese projects are underway nationwide, including CATL and EVE’s battery mega-plants in Debrecen, BYD’s car and bus factories in Szeged and Komárom, Liberty Steel’s green steel upgrade with CISDI, and Lenovo’s first European factory. This article provides an overview of the investment amounts, construction status, and planned operation dates for these flagship projects.