CEE FORUM FOR
THE AUTOMOTIVE
TRANSITION
2024

CEE FORUM FOR
THE AUTOMOTIVE
TRANSITION
2024

2 OCTOBER 

Bálna, Budapest

CEE FORUM FOR
THE AUTOMOTIVE
TRANSITION
2024

2 OCTOBER 

Bálna , Budapest

HIGHLIGHTS

In an era defined by tightening climate policies, rapid technological advances, shifting supply chains, and a shortage of skilled labour, the future of the automotive sector hinges on our ability to innovate and adapt. At this critical crossroads, we will explore fundamental questions that will shape the industry's future:

New Mobility: Futureproof or Total Crash
Roundtable: Europe’s Take on the Global Race
Electrification: Yes or No?
Climate Goals vs. Economic Growth: Who Will Win?
NextGen Cities: Ready for the Future?
AI's Role in Green Mobility
Can Infrastructure Keep Up with the Shift to EVs?
Automotive Agenda: Global Challenges & EU Strategy
 

HIGHLIGHTS

In an era defined by tightening climate policies, rapid technological advances, shifting supply chains, and a shortage of skilled labour, the future of the automotive sector hinges on our ability to innovate and adapt. At this critical crossroads, we will explore fundamental questions that will shape the industry's future:

New Mobility: Futureproof or Total Crash
Roundtable: Europe’s Take on the Global Race
Electrification: Yes or No?
Climate Goals vs. Economic Growth: Who Will Win?
NextGen Cities: Ready for the Future?
AI's Role in Green Mobility
Can Infrastructure Keep Up with the Shift to EVs?
Automotive Agenda: Global Challenges & EU Strategy

AGENDA

I. SESSION

Global landscape and competitiveness overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities

As the automotive industry undergoes its most significant evolution in the past fifty years, it faces challenges never seen before. At the same time, opportunities are on the horizon, and industry leaders are ready to boldly embrace the new chances that the 21st century has to offer. We are at a critical crossroads, with centuries-old foundations being overturned, prompting us to ask fundamental questions. The future of the automotive industry depends on innovation. Industry players are pouring billions of euros into R&D investments, yet it is highly doubted whether these technologies will withstand the test of time, live up to changing consumer demands, and, above all, address the looming climate crisis. Innovation, electrification, digitalisation, and automation are the buzzwords of our time, while the ultimate goal remains competitiveness and paving the road to a successful future.

08:15 - 08:55
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE
09:00 - 09:15
Welcoming words
Speaker: Ádám Nagy, Deputy State Secretary for Industrial Affairs, Ministry for National Economy
09:15 - 09:30
Welcome speech: Critical Times Ahead: Obeservations on the EU Mobility Sector amid Global
Challenges
Speaker: Erwin Heeneman, Chair of EIT Urban Mobility Association
09:30 - 09:50
Presentation: Automotive Agenda in Europe – Global Challenges and the EU Industrial Strategy
Speaker: Mark Nicklas, Head of Unit for Automotive, DG GROW, European Commission
09:50 - 10:10
Keynote: Winning the Global Race: Climate Goals vs. Economic Growth
Speaker: Andreas Klugescheid, Chief Strategic Foresight and Engagement Officer, ACEA -European Automobile Manufacturers' Association
10:10 - 10:30
Presentation: Innovation for a Green Future
Speaker: Jason Chen, General Manager, CATL Europe Operations
10:30 - 10:45
COFFEE BREAK
10:45 - 11:35
Roundtable with top industry leaders:
Paradigm Shift in the Automotive Industry: Global Challenges from a European and CEE Regional Perspective
Moderator:
Traian Urban, Director of Innovation Hub East, EIT Urban Mobility KIC (Czechia)
Panellists:
Thomas Metz, Vice President Engineering, Bosch Hungary (Germany/Hungary)
Gabor Ormosy, CEO, AutoWallis Group (Hungary)
Zoltán Sipos, CEO, Electrobus Europe (Hungary)
Charles Wassen, European Operations Director, Dana Hungary (France/Hungary)
I. SESSION

Global landscape and competitiveness overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities

As the automotive industry undergoes its most significant evolution in the past fifty years, it faces challenges never seen before. At the same time, opportunities are on the horizon, and industry leaders are ready to boldly embrace the new chances that the 21st century has to offer. We are at a critical crossroads, with centuries-old foundations being overturned, prompting us to ask fundamental questions. The future of the automotive industry depends on innovation. Industry players are pouring billions of euros into R&D investments, yet it is highly doubted whether these technologies will withstand the test of time, live up to changing consumer demands, and, above all, address the looming climate crisis. Innovation, electrification, digitalisation, and automation are the buzzwords of our time, while the ultimate goal remains competitiveness and paving the road to a successful future.

08:15 - 08:55
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE
09:00 - 09:15
Welcoming words
Speaker: Ádám Nagy, Deputy State Secretary for Industrial Affairs, Ministry for National Economy
09:15 – 09:30
Welcome speech: Critical Times Ahead: Obeservations on the EU Mobility Sector
Speaker: Erwin Heeneman, Chair of EIT Urban Mobility Association
09:30 – 09:50
Presentation: Automotive Agenda in Europe – Global Challenges and the EU Industrial Strategy
Speaker: Mark Nicklas, Head of Unit for Automotive, DG GROW, European Commission
09:50 - 10:10
Keynote: Winning the Global Race: Climate Goals vs. Economic Growth
Speaker: Andreas Klugescheid, Chief Strategic Foresight and Engagement Officer, ACEA -European Automobile Manufacturers' Association
10:10 – 10:30
Presentation: Innovation for a Green Future
Speaker: Jason Chen, General Manager, CATL Europe Operations
10:30 - 10:45
COFFEE BREAK
10:45 – 11:35
Roundtable with top industry leaders: Paradigm Shift in the Automotive Industry: Global Challenges from a European and CEE Regional Perspective
Moderator:
Traian Urban, Director of Innovation Hub East, EIT Urban Mobility KIC (Czechia)
Panellists:
Thomas Metz, Vice President Engineering, Bosch Hungary (Germany/Hungary)
Gabor Ormosy, CEO, AutoWallis Group (Hungary)
Zoltán Sipos, CEO, Electrobus Europe (Hungary)
Charles Wassen, European Operations Director, Dana Hungary (France/Hungary)
II. SESSION

In the Forefront of Innovation – Cities Drive the Change in New Mobility

The era of smart cities and cutting-edge technologies is revolutionising urban living. Picture a future where traffic flows seamlessly, sustainable transport options are readily available, and innovative mobility solutions reduce noise and pollution. Cities drive the change in the transformation, but as we approach, a major question arises: are they ready to fully embrace and implement these groundbreaking innovations? While the answer remains uncertain, it is clear that new mobility solutions and innovative technologies will ultimately lead to greener, more efficient urban environments. Clean air, easy mobility, spacious public realms, effortless human connections, revitalised urban life, vibrant and resilient communities – if we succeed, this is the future that awaits us.

11:35 –11:50
Presentation: AI-driven Transformation in Automotive
Speaker: Balázs Lóránd, Managing Director, Continental Autonomous Mobility Hungary & Head of Artificial Intelligence, Continental Autonomous Mobility Business Area (Hungary)
11:50 – 12:05
Presentation: Changing mobility with Living Labs ecosystems: the pathways to accelerate transition to future mobility
Speaker: Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Head of Thessaloniki Smart Moblity Living Lab & Josep Maria Salanova Grau, Principal Researcher of Hellenic Institute of Transport / Center for Research and Technology Hellas
12:05 – 12:20
Presentation: Driving the Shift to Electric and Connected Mobility - Aligning Industrial and Urban Policies for Future Mobility 
Speaker: Manel Clavijo, Manager at Strategy Programs for Mobility, ACCIO – Government of Catalonia, Innovation Agency (Spain)
12:20 – 13:05
Roundtable: Challenges of NextGen Cities – Rocky Road or Smooth Path to Sustainable Mobility?
Moderator: 
Gabriella Simor, Senior Expert, Euroatlantic Consulting & Investment (Hungary)
Panellists:
Timea Lendvai, Shared Micromobility Expert (Hungary)
Gustavo Reyes Rodriguez, Smart & Green Mobility Expert, City of Helmond (the Netherlands)
Daniel Serra Segara , Director of Ecosystem & Stakeholders, EIT Urban Mobility (Spain)
Szabolcs Szolnoki, Deputy State Secretary for Technology, Ministry for National Economy (Hungary)
Zoltán Weltsch, Innovation Director, ZalaZONE (Hungary)
13:05 – 14:00
LUNCH
II. SESSION

In the Forefront of Innovation – Cities Drive the Change in New Mobility

The era of smart cities and cutting-edge technologies is revolutionising urban living. Picture a future where traffic flows seamlessly, sustainable transport options are readily available, and innovative mobility solutions reduce noise and pollution. Cities drive the change in the transformation, but as we approach, a major question arises: are they ready to fully embrace and implement these groundbreaking innovations? While the answer remains uncertain, it is clear that new mobility solutions and innovative technologies will ultimately lead to greener, more efficient urban environments. Clean air, easy mobility, spacious public realms, effortless human connections, revitalised urban life, vibrant and resilient communities – if we succeed, this is the future that awaits us.

11:35 – 11:50
Presentation: AI-driven Transformation in Automotive
Speaker: Balázs Lóránd, Managing Director, Continental Autonomous Mobility Hungary & Head of Artificial Intelligence, Continental Autonomous Mobility Business Area (Hungary)
11:50 – 12:05
Presentation: Changing mobility with Living Labs ecosystems: the pathways to accelerate transition to future mobility
Speaker: Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Head of Thessaloniki Smart Moblity Living Lab & Josep Maria Salanova Grau, Principal Researcher of Hellenic Institute of Transport / Center for Research and Technology Hellas
12:05 – 12:20
Presentation: Driving the Shift to Electric and Connected Mobility - Aligning Industrial and Urban Policies for Future Mobility 
Speaker: Manel Clavijo, Manager at Strategy Programs for Mobility, ACCIO – Government of Catalonia, Innovation Agency (Spain)
12:20 – 13:05
Roundtable: Challenges of NextGen Cities – Rocky Road or Smooth Path to Sustainable Mobility?
Moderator: 
Gabriella Simor, Senior Expert, Euroatlantic Consulting & Investment (Hungary)
Panellists:
Timea Lendvai, Shared Micromobility Expert (Hungary)
Gustavo Reyes Rodriguez, Smart & Green Mobility Expert, City of Helmond (the Netherlands)
Daniel Serra Segara, Director of Ecosystem & Stakeholders, EIT Urban Mobility (Spain)
Szabolcs Szolnoki, Deputy State Secretary for Technology, Ministry for National Economy (Hungary)
Zoltán Weltsch, Innovation Director, ZalaZONE (Hungary)
13:05 – 14:00
LUNCH
III. SESSION

Key pillars and major barriers to new mobility transition - The crucial role of skills and infrastructure

Knowledge is power, prioritising top-notch industry skills is transformative. Rapid changes throughout the automotive supply chain, driven by tightening climate policy regulations and digital transformation, along with constant labour shortages, pose significant challenges for industry players, particularly in securing their workforce. The transformation of industry knowledge and effective bridging of skill gaps must happen at a radical speed. Accelerated digitalisation and electrification now require a completely new approach, making the establishment of fast-track training systems more relevant than ever. Mapping and continuously tracking industry needs and urgently organising responsive reskilling and upskilling programmes will set a new standard of competitiveness in the automotive industry.

14:00 –14:15
Presentation: Staying Competitive Through Automotive’s Skill Transformation – Skills, Knowledge Transformation, Labour Transition in the Mobility Sector
Speaker: , Gabriella Mihályi, Education Expert, Zone Cluster & CEO, Centre for Modern Education (Hungary)
14:15 – 15:00
Roundtable: Automotive Skills and Competitiveness: The Critical Need for Workforce Reskilling and Upskilling to Gain a Competitive Edge
Moderator: 
Zoltán Csaba, Managing Partner, TAL Consulting (Hungary)
Panellists:
Peter Frank, Research & Development Director, Knorr-Bremse (Hungary)
Hassan Charaf , Rector of Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary)
Balazs Horvath, Co-Founder, Education Innovator, Kimitisik (Hungary/The Netherlands)
Gabriella Mihályi, CEO, Centre for Modern Education (Hungary)
Laia Pagès, Executive & Research Manager, CARNET (Spain)
15:15 – 15:30
Presentation: Overcoming Regulatory and Infrastructure Challenges in the New Mobility Transition
Speaker: Ákos Dervalics, Country Manager, InnoEnergy HUB (Hungary)
15:15 – 16:15
Roundtable: Navigating the Regulatory and Infrastructural Hurdles of the New Mobility Transition - Paving the Way for a Seamless Shift
Moderator: 
Aleksander Rajch, Member of the Managing Board, PSNM New Mobility Association  (Poland)
Panellists:
Levente Balasa, Head of Smart Infrastructure; Member of Managing Board, Siemens (Hungary)
Tamas Czikora, Head of Mobility, MOL Group (Hungary)
Tamás Giller, CFO, Neo Property Services (Hungary)
Péter Kaderják, CEO of the Hungarian Battery Association (Hungary)
Peter Sevce, Country Manager CEE, Ionity (Slovakia) 
16:15 – 19:00
III. SESSION

Key pillars and major barriers to new mobility transition the crucial role of skills and infrastructure

Knowledge is power, prioritising top-notch industry skills is transformative. Rapid changes throughout the automotive supply chain, driven by tightening climate policy regulations and digital transformation, along with constant labour shortages, pose significant challenges for industry players, particularly in securing their workforce. The transformation of industry knowledge and effective bridging of skill gaps must happen at a radical speed. Accelerated digitalisation and electrification now require a completely new approach, making the establishment of fast-track training systems more relevant than ever. Mapping and continuously tracking industry needs and urgently organising responsive reskilling and upskilling programmes will set a new standard of competitiveness in the automotive industry.

14:00 – 14:15
Presentation: Staying Competitive Through Automotive’s Skill Transformation – Skills, Knowledge Transformation, Labour Transition in the Mobility Sector
Speaker: , Gabriella Mihályi, Education Expert, Zone Cluster & CEO, Centre for Modern Education (Hungary)
14:15 – 15:00
Roundtable: Automotive Skills and Competitiveness: The Critical Need for Workforce Reskilling and Upskilling to Gain a Competitive Edge
Moderator: 
Zoltán Csaba, Managing Partner, TAL Consulting
Panellists:
Peter Frank, Research & Development Director, Knorr-Bremse (Hungary)
Hassan Charaf , Rector of Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary)
Balazs Horvath, Co-Founder, Education Innovator, Kimitisik (Hungary/Netherlands)
Gabriella Mihályi, CEO, Centre for Modern Education (Hungary)
Laia Pagès, Executive & Research Manager, CARNET (Spain)
15:00 – 15:15
Presentation: Supply Chain of Strategic Raw Materials
Speaker: Ákos Dervalics, Country Manager, InnoEnergy HUB (Hungary)
15:15 – 16:15
Roundtable: Navigating the Regulatory and Infrastructural Hurdles of the New Mobility Transition - Paving the Way for a Seamless Shift
Moderator: 
Aleksander Rajch, Member of the Managing Board, PSNM New Mobility Association  (Poland)
Panellists:
Levente Balasa, Head of Smart Infrastructure; Member of Managing Board, Siemens (Hungary)
Tamas Czikora, Head of Mobility, MOL Group (Hungary)
Tamás Giller, CFO, Neo Property Services (Hungary)
Péter Kaderják, CEO of the Hungarian Battery Association (Hungary)
Peter Sevce, Country Manager CEE, Ionity (Slovakia)

REGISTRATION

Register now to secure your spot - we can’t wait to see you there!
Participation in the event is free, but registration is required.

* indicates required
Privacy Policy *
Newsletter

PATRON

SPEAKERS

Erwin Heeneman

Chair
EIT Urban Mobility Association

Ádám Nagy

Deputy-State Secretary for Industrial Affairs
Ministry for National Economy

Szabolcs Szolnoki

Deputy State Secretary for Technology
Ministry for National Economy

Mark Nicklas

Head of Unit for Automotive
DG GROW

Georgia Ayfantopoulou

Deputy-Chair
EIT Urban Mobility

Levente Balasa

Head of Smart Infrastructure; Member of Managing Board
Siemens

Jason Chen

General Manager
CATL Europe Operations

Manel Clavijo

Senior Consultant
Public Office for the Transformation of the Automotive and Mobility Industry (OPTIMA)

Tamas Czikora

Head of Mobility
MOL Group

Zoltán Csaba

Managing Partner
TAL Consulting

Ákos Dervalics

Manager
InnoEnergy HUB

Veronika Erős

Cluster Manager/CEO
ZONE Cluster

Peter Frank

Research & Development Director
Knorr-Bremse

Tamás Giller

CFO
Neo Property Services

Hassan Charaf

Rector
Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Balázs Horváth

Co-Founder, Education Innovator
KIMITISIK

Péter Kaderják

CEO
Hungarian Battery Association

Andreas Klugescheid

Chief Strategic Foresight and Engagement Officer
ACEA -European Automobile Manufacturers' Association

Tímea Lendvai

Local Director
Shared Micromobility Expert 

Balázs Lóránd

General Manager
Continental Autonomous Mobility Hungary

Thomas Metz

Vice President Engineering
Bosch Hungary 

Gabriella Mihályi

CEO
Centre for Modern Education

Gábor Ormosy

CEO
Autowallis Group

Laia Pagès

Executive & KResearch Manager
CARNET

Aleksander Rajch

Member of the Managing Board
PSNM New Mobility Association

Gustavo Reyes Rodriguez

Smart & Green Mobility Expert
City of Helmond

Daniel Serra Segara

Director of Ecosystem & Stakeholders
EIT Urban Mobility

Peter Sevce

Country Manager CEE
Ionity

Gabriella Simor

Senior Expert
Euroatlantic Consulting & Investment

Zoltán Sipos

CEO
Electrobus Europe

Traian Urban

Director of Innovation Hub East
EIT Urban Mobility KIC (Czechia)

Charles Wassen

European Operations Director
Dana Hungary (France/Hungary)

Zoltán Weltsch

Innovation Director
ZalaZONE

Josep Maria Salanova Grau

Principal Researcher

Hellenic Institute of Transport / Center for Research and Technology Hellas

WHY ATTEND

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of electrification, digital transformation, or competitiveness, this event is designed to provide the insights, connections, and strategies you need to stay ahead. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it:

SHAPE THE FUTURE

Engage with industry leaders and policymakers on key issues like electrification, sustainability, and digital transformation, and help shape the future of mobility.

GAIN CRITICAL INSIGHTS

Participate in expert discussions on the challenges facing the industry, from EV production to the skills shortage, and learn how to futureproof your strategies.

NETWORK WITH KEY PLAYERS

Build valuable connections with professionals across Europe during our networking breaks and Networking Drinks Reception.

HIGH-PROFILE PARTICIPATION

With key industry figures and policymakers involved, the Forum plays a strategic role in the conversation surrounding the future of the industry.

WHY ATTEND

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of electrification, digital transformation, or competitiveness, this event is designed to provide the insights, connections, and strategies you need to stay ahead. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it:

SHAPE THE FUTURE

Engage with industry leaders and policymakers on key issues like electrification, sustainability, and digital transformation, and help shape the future of mobility.

GAIN CRITICAL INSIGHTS

Participate in expert discussions on the challenges facing the industry, from EV production to the skills shortage, and learn how to futureproof your strategies.

NETWORK WITH KEY PLAYERS

Build valuable connections with professionals across Europe during our networking breaks and Networking Drinks Reception.

HIGH-PROFILE PARTICIPATION

With key industry figures and policymakers involved, the Forum plays a strategic role in the conversation surrounding the future of the industry.

VENUE

Bálna (The Whale)

Budapest, Fővám Square 11-12, 1093

VENUE

Bálna (The Whale)

Budapest, Fővám Square 11-12, 1093

ORGANIZER

CO-ORGANIZERS

PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ORGANIZER

CO-ORGANIZERS

PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

CONTACT

ZONE TEAM

event@zonecluster.eu

Katalin
Romao-Major

Event Program Director

katalin.major@zonecluster.eu
+36 30 783 8855

 

Gréta
Gombos

Event Coordinator

greta.gombos@zonecluster.eu

CONTACT

ZONE TEAM

event@zonecluster.eu

Katalin
Romao-Major

Event Program Director

katalin.major@zonecluster.eu
+36 30 783 8855

 

Gréta
Gombos

Event Coordinator

greta.gombos@zonecluster.eu