Prime Minister Discusses Future of Automotive Industry with Head of Suzuki

Viktor Orbán with Toshihiro Suzuki (R) in Budapest

Viktor Orbán received Toshihiro Suzuki, President and Representative Director of the Japanese Suzuki Motor Corporation, at the Carmelite Monastery on Tuesday, revealed the Prime Minister’s Communications Department. The talks focused on the activities of Magyar Suzuki Zrt. in Esztergom, the current situation of the European automotive industry and future development opportunities.

Magyar Suzuki Zrt. was the first foreign-based car manufacturer to start operations in Esztergom in 1991 and has been Suzuki’s only European production plant ever since. Since its foundation, the owner has invested an impressive 2 billion euros. A milestone last year was the production of the four millionth vehicle. The Vitara and the new S-CROSS models are currently manufactured in Esztergom. In 2023, 88.5 percent of the more than 160,000 vehicles produced were equipped with a hybrid drive.

Today, it was my pleasure to host Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation. Suzuki was the first foreign car manufacturer to start production in Hungary back in 1991, and has remained a key contributor to our economy ever since, supporting nearly 10,000 jobs… pic.twitter.com/8iGrmWgRrE

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) May 27, 2025

Magyar Suzuki Zrt. sells its vehicles in 123 countries on five continents.

The Hungarian subsidiary of the Japanese car manufacturer has built up a high level of expertise and knowledge in recent decades, particularly in the fields of engineering, logistics and IT. Magyar Suzuki Zrt. now offers several services at group level for Europe. Thanks to its partners, suppliers and its nationwide dealer network of 78 members, the company contributes to the livelihood of about 10,000 employees. In addition to manufacturing vehicles for the Hungarian and international markets, the company also sells imported Suzuki cars, motorcycles and marine engines.

“The very first relationship is always the most special,” commented Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Toshihiro Suzuki’s visit to Budapest. “Suzuki was the first major car manufacturer to arrive in Hungary and has remained a loyal strategic partner to Hungary ever since. They manufacture more than 100,000 cars a year and provide livelihoods for thousands of families in Esztergom and the surrounding area. Last year, Suzuki sold the most new cars in Hungary, which is clear proof that Suzuki is ‘our car,’” the politician wrote in his social media post.

Based on 2023 data, Magyar Suzuki Zrt. is the 12th largest company in Hungary in terms of turnover.

Publicly available company data show that the turnover of Magyar Suzuki Zrt. amounted to 2.871 billion euros in 2023, a significant increase from 2.144 billion euros in the previous year. The company closed the year 2023 with a profit of 141.708 million forints (351,000 euros), while the profit after tax in 2022 was 22.658 million euros.

The Suzuki brand achieved a market share of 12.94 percent on the new car market in Hungary last year, putting it in first place among the brands. Of the two models produced in Esztergom, the Vitara and the S-CROSS, 6,883 and 6,607 units respectively were sold in this country in 2024.

One Millionth Suzuki Vitara Rolls off the Production Line in Esztergom