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
Automotive in context. Because the big picture matters.
Welcome to the CEE Forum for the Automotive Transition 2025 – where global insights meet local expertise. Uncover global trends, get the broad context you need, understand the bigger picture, and find your own actionable strategies.
The global mobility industry is at its most critical turning point in history – there is no doubt about it. The global power shift is real, Asian competitors are jumping ahead of the game, new titans are rising in the region, and modern trade wars are shaking up markets. Raw material supply is at risk, squeezed by geopolitical tensions, while climate regulations push the industry into uncharted territory. Electrification looms over the industry – a two-faced force of progress and pressure – while autonomous driving, AI, and software-driven vehicles are rewriting the rules. Smart cars and the new era of AI-powered smart cities bring us to a new revolution in urban living – whether we are ready or not.
This is not just another transformation—it’s a full-scale realignment of power, technology, and competitive advantage. The key question is no longer what is happening, but how fast, and what must be done next?
The race is on, and the future of mobility won’t wait for you to catch up. Join us to make sure you’re ahead.
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
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
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)
16:15 - 19:00
NETWORKING – DRINKS RECEPTION
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.
Battle of the giants
How the global power shift is redefining the mobility
landscape
Roundtable with top industry leaders
Total crash or Shifting Gears: Global Challenges & CEE insights
Once Thriving, Now Fading?
The Top 5 Pain Points of Europe’s Auto
Industry and How to Fix Them. What Are Hungary and the CEE Region’s
Roles?
Reinventing Europe: Policy & business in sync
Unleash the innovative potential of the European automotive sector
The CEE battery boom
Asian investments, regional strategies, supply chain
dilemmas
The Road Ahead for the Car Market in Hungary and CEE
Global Trends & Regional Realities
Investments
Attracting capital to Hungary and CEE
Autonomous driving
Our real chance to break out? What’s Hungary’s stake?
The rise of new automotive titans
How Chinese BEVs are
challenging the status quo
The burden of electrification
Infrastructure bottlenecks, energy security
Technological neutrality
Let’s speak out about it!
Recharging or Running Down?
The future of the Hungarian
battery industry at stake
VENUE
Bálna (The Whale)
Budapest, Fővám Square 11-12, 1093
VENUE
Bálna (The Whale)
Budapest, Fővám Square 11-12, 1093
ORGANIZER
ORGANIZER
CO-ORGANIZERS
PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
CONTACT
ZONE TEAM
event@zonecluster.eu
Katalin
Romao-Major
Gréta
Gombos
Event Coordinator
greta.gombos@zonecluster.eu
CONTACT
ZONE TEAM
event@zonecluster.eu
Katalin
Romao-Major
Gréta
Gombos
Event Coordinator
greta.gombos@zonecluster.eu