A test production vehicle of the all-electric Neue Klasse X model in Debrecen
The BMW Group has officially inaugurated its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, representing an investment exceeding HUF 820 billion (EUR 2.1 billion). The facility is set to become the central hub of electric vehicle manufacturing in Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony, stating, “We do not penalize, but reward investment. Companies should not be commanded, but rather partnered with.”
Recalling earlier cooperation between Germany and Hungary, the Prime Minister remarked: “When Chancellor Helmut Kohl and I agreed in 1998 on the collaboration between German and Hungarian industry, this is precisely the kind of outcome we envisioned.” According to Prime Minister Orbán, the expectation was that both Germans and Hungarians would find satisfaction in such cooperation, and that the partnership would become a source of shared pride. He described the scale and quality of the plant as both “fantastic” and “awe-inspiring.”
Viktor Orbán expressed his wish that more Hungarian citizens will, in the future, be able to afford owning a BMW vehicle. He highlighted the need for bold decisions and rapid transitions in the face of global challenges, emphasizing that both countries and car manufacturers are entering a period of intense competition.
“It will matter greatly how we respond to the current circumstances. Some will remain standing; others will fall. Hungary, too, is being tested: Do we want to produce? Are our citizens capable of working? What kind of leaders will we have?” He expressed concern over the state of the European economy, stating that “Europe is weak.” He noted that
the Debrecen BMW plant starts with a 15 percent disadvantage compared to BMW’s facility in South Carolina, and therefore, Hungary must operate 15 percent more efficiently in order to remain competitive.
He reassured investors that Hungary offers a predictable and supportive business environment: “Those who invest in Hungary can be confident that the rules will not change overnight. We do not penalize, but reward investment.
Furthermore, Hungarians will not spend other people’s money on other people’s wars. Instead, we will focus on developing the Hungarian economy.”
The Prime Minister also noted that BMW has established a training center in Debrecen, and that additional investments are underway, including a logistics and business services center. He said that the city is now ranked among the top three finalists in the competition for the title of the European Green Capital. He also confirmed that the development of Debrecen International Airport is planned.
Based on estimates cited by the Prime Minister, approximately HUF 1,000 billion ( EUR 2.5 billion) worth of investment has been directed into the Debrecen region. “No other region in Hungary has made such significant progress in such a short period of time,” he said, suggesting that perhaps “Debrecen’s key to success lies in its persistent dissatisfaction.”
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“I welcome BMW to Hungary,” the Prime Minister concluded.
BMW’s success is our success. Their innovation is our competitive advantage, and the jobs they create contribute to the security of Hungarian families. Let every euro cent become a euro. Let the journey begin.”
The BMW plant was built on a 400-hectare site and will have the capacity to produce approximately 150,000 vehicles annually. Production at the plant will include BMW’s Neue Klasse models, including the fully electric iX3 SUV. Both vehicle assembly and the manufacturing of key components will take place under one roof. The extensive facility will house battery module production, as well as press, bodywork, and paint shops.
Sustainability is a central focus for the BMW Group. Part of the energy required for plant operations will be supplied by a dedicated solar power facility. The 50-hectare solar park is being developed jointly with E.ON Hungária Group, and is expected to be completed by November 2025. With this initiative, BMW will establish the largest photovoltaic system in Hungary.
The Debrecen plant represents not only a milestone for BMW, but also a significant development for the Hungarian economy, given the strong connections between the plant and the local as well as regional business ecosystem. In parallel, ZF Chassis Modules Hungary Kft. began serial production at its Debrecen plant in August. The facility currently produces 35 chassis per hour, that are delivered directly to BMW’s assembly line.
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Via Magyar Nemzet, Featured image: Facebook/BMW Group Gyár Debrecen
The post Viktor Orbán Inaugurates BMW’s Debrecen Factory: “We Do Not Penalize, But Reward Investment” appeared first on Hungary Today.
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