4% OF THE COUNTRY'S EXPORT COMES FROM 50 COMPANIES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR.

The technology development office of Johnson Controls employs 563 engineers, making it the largest one of the company worldwide. For comparison, the center in the U.S. employs 234 engineers, the one in France 206 and the center in Yokohama, Japan only 7. The Bulgarian subsidiary of Johnson Controls is one of the nine technology centers in the world, the rest are located in Germany, France, USA, Japan and Slovakia. The engineering network of the company worldwide includes over 250 companies in more than 30 countries. The daughter company in Sofia offers design and development of automotive electronics. Among the largest customers are BMW, Ford, Renault, GM, Opel and Volkswagen.

"We have 5 R & D centers worldwide, one in Sofia, France and the USA and two in Germany. We started with 50 people and now we have over 560.We decided to invest in Bulgaria due to several main factors, such as the lowest wages in the EU, the great number of educated people, speaking foreign languages, the highest number of German speaking academics in Eastern Europe and culture that is close to the culture of Western Europe. Bulgaria is a member of EU, NATO and the WTO. Its legal framework is harmonized with the EU, it is financially stable and its corporate tax is only 10%. As a location Sofia is 2-3 hours away from Western Europe by plane while our office is 10 minutes away from the airport", Matthew Cole, Engineering Vice President at Johnson Controls said during the International Automotive Conference in Sofia.

"We were among the first, but we are not the only one from the automotive industry that invest in Bulgaria. The number of the companies is more than 50. They employ more than 9,000 employees and provide 4% of the country's export. Currently in Sofia there are several engineers from India who are being trained and share the experience from our technical center there. We are not moving our office, but developing the business in India ", Cole said.

Speed-Press Agency

2 YEARS AGO THE COMPANY CONSIDERED CLOSING THE PLANT IN TRUDOVETS.

Frederic Flory, Vice President of Grammer, praised his company's decision in Bulgaria during the International Automotive Conference in Sofia. Grammer is an international company specialized in developing and manufacturing of interior components as well as seats for cars, trucks, buses and trains. Globally the company is represented by its over 30 production and sales locations in 18 countries. This also includes the plant in the village of Trudovets, near Botevgrad, employing over 800 employees. From Bulgaria production is delived to the centers in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland and Germany. Among the company's customers are BMW, VW, Fiat, Daimler, MAN, DAF, Claas, John Deere and Linde.

"If someone had asked me 2 years ago whether I was happy with this investment in Bulgaria, I would have answered negatively. We had no results, the staff was angry. We had two options – either to stop and give up or to invest and not surrender. We invested not only in people but also in buildings, so we have long-term plans", Flory said.

Surprisingly for Flory the top management of the company consists of more young people than in the first level of the personnel. "We have three levels of employees and 800 employees in total. When I came here, I expected to see more young people at the lowest level of employees and respectively in the top management older people with experience. It turned out the opposite. The middle management is a source for the top management. It is internationally oriented, spreaks foreign languages and that’s why it is successful. These are younger people between 25 and 35 years who strive for promotion", Flory said.

Speed-Press Agency

THE COUNTRY COMPETES WITH MACEDONIA IN THE REGION.

The application requirements for becoming a provider of Daimler and the standards which should be covered by the companies were presented by Roland Wenger, Manager Strategic Suppliers in Mercedes-Benz Cars during the International Automotive Conference in Sofia.

"We selest of the suppliers in the period from 4 to 2 years before the start of the production of a certain new model. The companies that wish to become suppliers of Daimler can contact me and my team. They should know that the new suppliers are get assistance and cooperation from Daimler. As far as the quality is concerned, we demand is best at the lowest price”, Wenger said.

Damiler constantly expands its range of suppliers. "We work with companies from Mexico and Korea because our current resources are not sufficient. The new providers should be aware that they should invest not only money but also time. However I would like ot add that our partners inform me that if I want suppliers from the region I should go to Macedonia. Traditionally we analyze the potentialities of the supplier and its location", Wenger said.

Speed-Press Agency

THE MANAGER OF STRATEGIC PLANNING WILL REPRESENT THE COUNTRY IN KOREA.

Jean-Marie Bussiere, General Manager of Strategic Planning at Hyundai Motor Europe, presented the automotive company during the International Automotive Conference in Sofia. "On behalf of Alan Rushford, Chief Operating Manager for Europe, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to present Hyundai in Bulgaria. According to the latest data for 2013, we are the fastest growing brand in the world with an increase of 20% from 2005. Presently we are in the 43rd place among all brands worldwide and just for comparison, Ferrari is in the 64th and Porsche in 98th place. In 2005 we were in the 84th place", Bussiere commented.

According to the Manager of Strategic Planning, the company has a level of customer loyalty within 49%. "Only 5% increase in the level of loyalty leads to an increase of 34,000 sales", Bussiere explained.

When asked what were the main reasons for Hyundai's choice of the Czech Republic for its European plant some years ago, the Manager replied: "I have to be honest with you, I joined the company a few months ago and had not participated in the selection process of the Czech Republic as a location for our plant. I will I tell you though that Hyundai has a very centralized management and we treat similar issues with confidentiality".

Bussiere has been asked by Professor Harald Leschke, a participant at the conference from Leschke Design and former designer at Daimler, whether Bulgaria is not an attractive country to set up a design office of Hyundai, to which he replied: "The format of the company is integrated but I am sure that Bulgaria can be part of this structure in the future. I can assure you that I will present the opportunities in this country to my colleagues in Korea".

Speed-Press Agency

THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD WAS PRESENTED DURING THE AUTOMOTIVE CONFERENCE

Balkan Star, General representative of Mercedes-Benz in the country, introduced a new generation of the S-class immediately after the statement of Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria, at the First Automotive Conference in Sofia. The cover of the car was removed by Katia Boyanova, Managing Director Sales and Marketing in Balkan Star Automotive. " I present you the best car in the world. This car was created from products of special suppliers", Boyanova said.

The standard modification is 5.12 m long and the extended one 5.25 m. The wheelbase as always will be 3.04/3.17 m. The interior has about 100 buttons and switches and the central console is equipped with an analog clock. However what makes the car attractive are two big screens creating a huge control station. The air-conditioned seats offer a "hot stone massage" fuction while the lucky passengers enjoy cooling cup holders and an air freshener in the glove box, extras that Mercedes offers as a first manufacturer in the world. In certain situations, the vehicle allows the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel for a moment, to turn slightly back or get a glimpse of their smartphones while the vehicle keeps the distance and movement in the lane on its own. This is possible due to the Stop-and-go assistant. The system uses not only radar cruise control but also a stereo camera by means of which the S-Class "finds" alone its way in traffic jams.

With the help of the stereo camera the Magic Body Control suspension turns the luxury liner into a magic carpet. The car "sees" road bumps and adjusts the air suspension within milliseconds so that it "flattens" the road relief to the maximum. The automatic transmission has seven gears, the most powerful diesel engine develops 258 hp. Initially S 500 will be sold equipped with the well-known V8 with 455 hp and S 350 Bluetec with the 258 hp diesel engine and average cost EU- Mix 5.5 l. There will also be a S 400 Hybrid with aV6- 306 hp engine and a 27 hp electric motor - a tandem that provides a 6.3 l/100 km consumption. The best solution is S 500. There engine operates at 700 Nm and accelerates the 2-ton limousine in 4.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

Speed-Press Agency

REPRESENTATIVES OF OEMS AND SUPPLIERS DISCUSS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN BULGARIA

The President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev opened the International Automotive Conference 2013 which took place at the Sofia Event Center (Paradise Center). The event is the first of its kind forum that brings together over 100 representatives of leading automotive OEMs and suppliers. The conference is organized by the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB).

"I am happy to open the first of its kind automotive conference which gives possibilities for the development of the automotive industry in Bulgaria in the future. No doubt it contributes to the economic prosperity in each country. The European Union is the largest carmaker in the world and I am glad that Bulgaria also takes its place in the automotive chain. 20 billion euro for innovations is being invested in this sector in Europe. In the 80s Bulgaria was one of the 30 most developed industrial countries, so let us not underestimate the capacity and ability of schools and universities to provide qualified personnel. Besides the Automotive Cluster, the Cluster of Information Technologies is also very successful in our country, providing 35,000 job openings and servicing 140 companies nationwide", the President said.

Currently there are over 140 companies in BG that export products and technologies for the automotive industry worldwide. "I could list many examples, such as the Great Wall factory in Lovech, the Automotive Leather Company for the production of leather seats for BMW, the Yazaki factory in Yambol, a second one will soon be opened in the country. Melexis is also recognized as the most high-tech company in the country with 600 million BGN turnover. Festo is building a second factory in Sofia and will increase its staff from 550 to 1500. Johnson Controls has a development center with 550 engineers, working in Sofia", Plevneliev said.

Speed-Press Agency

GEFCO BULGARIA IS TAKING PART IN THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE CONFERENCE. KRUM DONCHEV, SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER, PRESENTED THE GROUP`S EXPERIANCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FRIGHT FLOWS OF AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS IN RUMANIA.

The event, organized by the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, was opened by the President Rosen Plevneliev and gathered more than 300 top executives from the automotive industry in Europe and Asia. Main topics are the opportunities for investment in the sector to produce cars and presentation of good practices of companies already invested in our country, such as the auto parts manufacturer Würth Elektronik IBE Group, Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc., Johnson Controls and others.

"GEFCO will definitely contribute to the development of the sector in Bulgaria through its experience and expertise in the automotive logistics. We strongly believe in the willingness of the Bulgarian government to actively support the development of the automotive industry. We believe the sector will be a key factor in the growth of our economy." said Krum Donchev, Sales and Marketing Manager of GEFCO Bulgaria.

He presented operational solutions developed by GEFCO for automotive corporations with production facilities in Romania. The solutions combine internal corporate logistics with outbound ground freight flows, rail transport, and quick shipments from suppliers.

The Bulgarian subsidiary of the company offers a full range of logistics solutions in response to the growing presence of Automotive manufacturers in the region, and the growing demand for transport and logistics services for import and export. GEFCO Bulgaria has also been an active member of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria since the autumn of 2012.

The first International Automotive Conference Bulgaria is the first of its kind in the sector in the country and also one of the biggest business events of the year in Bulgaria. The conference participants consider the expansion of their business on the fast-growing Eastern European market.

Speed-Press Agency

GREECE AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC WILL BE AMONG THE FIRST GETTING THE REVOLUTIONARY I3. BULGARIA WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND BE PRAPARED FOR THAT STEP

The world is changing rapidly, the electric mobility is the future, and those who does not realize it today, tomorrow will be in the position of Kodak and Nokia, said Andrea Castronovo, president of BMW Group Central and Southeast Europe. The examples indicate improvidence. Kodak – a leader in photographic materials has missed the oncoming of digital photography, and Nokia has lost its market leadership after the invasion of the smartphones.

Currently, BMW took the leadership in the development of electromobility by the city electric vehicle i3 and the sporty plug-in hybrid i8. In both cases it is revolutionary approach. They are not standard models with added battery and electric motor but models entirely designed in accordance with their intended purpose. Lightweight materials, new carrosserie design, advanced engines and batteries to achieve relatively low cost and high run are used. In combination with the models entire complex support services are launched that aim to make their use more acceptable to customers now and in the future. Such are mobile applications that allow the battery charging to be monitored and managed over the phone; the navigation will register not only charging boots, but stops and timetables of public transport, to provide integrated transport solution. Customers will have the opportunity to rent appropriate cars for holiday needs.

The investment in the BMW project “i” project is significant and returns on it will be on a later stage. Thanks to that technologies that will bring great benefits in the future are now being developed, said Castronovo. The launch of the BMW i3 begins in the countries that express interest in and are prepared for electric vehicles in terms of legal issues and charging infrastructure. Among these countries are the Czech Republic and Greece. In Bulgaria, this advent-guard model will come later, when the country is ready.

Speed-Press Agency

THE COMPANY TAKES OVER THE SALES OF HYUNDAI IN BULGARIA 15 YEARS AGO.

The current official dealer of the Korean brand is one of the success stories in the Bulgarian automotive business. “Industrial Commerce" gets the rights in 1998 in a very unfavorable position. At that time the crisis in Bulgaria coincides with the crisis in Korea. Hyundai has no plants in Europe, the products are aimed for the Asian customers, and shipping costs are high. Before that there have been two bankruptcies of importers in Bulgaria, an accumulated distrust in the brand and many lawsuits to dealers. These 15 years mistrust is overcome, we have built a strong trade and service network covering the country. Presents us Savina Konstantinova, CEO of “Industrial Commerce".

The efforts of manufacturer and seller complement this success story. For the same period, Hyundai has become an ambitious global player, with strong positions in Europe, with European products having excellent quality and impressive design. "What also helped us is the international branding. Hyundai is a sponsor of all major sporting events – football tournaments, competitions, and this makes the brand better known, "said Savina Konstantinova. However the Sales Championship Title of Bulgaria on the Old Continent is mostly due to the team of the local dealer. "Our mantra is customer satisfaction rather than volume or profits. This is the main reason for our success." said Konstantinova.

Speed-Press Agency

BASED ON THE CURRENT MODEL THERE IS A PLAN THE CREATION OF MOVING PROTOTYPE TO TAKE PLACE IN GENEVA BUT THIS DEPENDS ON FINDING SPONSORS.

There are plans for project “electric taxi” developed by the students from the Technical University Sofia, to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, said Professor Harald Leschke at the International Automotive Conference Bulgaria 2013. Based on the current model there is a plan the creation of moving prototype to take place in Geneva but this depends on finding sponsors. The moving prototype can be used by suppliers of parts and components to show their products in the Global Automotive Forum. The project “E- Taxi” developes further the successful “Universe”, which was developed by Bulgarian students led by Professor Leschke and Prof Draganov.

The electromobility is unavoidable and should be prioritized – coming up to the taxi it will have the greatest positive impact.

Speed-Press Agency

THE COMPANY PROVIDES FULL SUPPORT FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS.

Plamen Mitev, general representative of the Willi Betz Group, presented the full range of the company's activities in 9 main sectors pointed as a different region on the map of Bulgaria. "There are many companies that are willing to invest in the country, but do not want to take the risk with the construction of buildings and infrastructure. This is where we come, we invest and provide all to our partners, and they begin to pay rent from the first day of the production start. We are pleased because there is a long term investment which is payed back in 7 to 8 years and what has been built remains.",said Mitev.

According to the manager the most important topic in the International Automotive Conference is to find a stable approach in the Government policies regarding foreign investment."According to my opinion currently there is no solid path for foreign companies and investments, which is a big issue. As we see in the other speakers’ presentations which have already invested in Bulgaria, the flat tax and low cost are key factors. There is a need of a stable policy in long term."

Willi Betz Group was founded in 1945 and operates in 70 locations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It has 2,200 trucks, 3,000 trailers, 4 Ro-Ro-Danube catamarans and 4 cargo ship. There are 4600 employees. The company operates in the automotive sector in Bulgaria by "Balkan Star"; "Somat" provides activities for transportation and logistics. The Group has real estate companies and management control in the IT sector with the company “B-Systems” and telecommunications with “Vmobile”.

Speed-Press Agency

GREAT WALL VEHICLES PRODUCED IN BULGARIA WILL BE AVAILABLE IN ITALY, CZECH REPUBLIC, AUSTRIA AND POLAND.

The partner of Great Wall “Litex Motors” will produce 2,000 vehicles this year in the factory in the village Bahovitsa, Lovech. Next year, the production will be increased up to 5,000 vehicles and 15 thousand in 2015. Untill 2017 full capacity shall be reached – 50 000 cars on two shifts, was anounced during the second day of the International automotive conference.

“The reason for the gradual increase and still working below the full capacity is the brand developing and the production in parallel. Great Wall is still entering in the new markets and the next year will cover the countries of our region, such as Romania, Greece and Serbia. We are already operating in Montenegro and Macedonia. Up to 4 years we will have a sales network in Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and the region around Bulgaria.” said Anton Donchev, international director of “Litex Motors”.

The plant in Bahovitsa works with Bulgarian suppliers and local staff. “Since the beginning we had the idea to use local suppliers and employees. All rechargeable batteries are Bulgarian; lubricating fluids are “Prista Oil” (also Bulgarian supplier). But after all that is final assembly, which limits us in choosing only local contractors.”,said Donchev.

“Litex Motors” has held talks with 10 of more than 100 Chinese companies before launching negotiations with “Great Wall”. “We decided that “Great Wall” has the highest growth potential in Europe. Currently, this is the largest Chinese manufacturer of SUV cars and pickups. The production began in January 2012. This is the first factory which produces Chinese cars in the EU.Capacity is 50,000 cars a year in two shifts , but with the addition of a third shift it can reach 100 thousand units. At the moment the entering on the markets in Western Europe is not on the agenda and we have permission from the headquater to grow up to the Czech Republic.”, said Donchev.

“Litex Motors” are very satisfied by the quality of production, which is controlled at the end of each zone. “Because of this we were awarded as the best Great Wall plant outside of China two following years and even some recognize us as better than the parent factories in China.” said Donchev.

Within a few months the plant is going to start the production of Steed 5 pickup trucks and the SUV Hover 6. The company does not seek to offer the lowest price in the market but the best value for money, attractive products, between 3 to 5 years warranty and best after-sale service. For 2012, Great Wall occupies the 6th place in sales with 3 models and 6.42% market share. The company is the leader in light freight vehicles market.

Speed-Press Agency

TODAY SPEAKERS WILL BE REPRESENTATIVES OF AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS SUCH AS PORSCHE, BMW AND GREAT WALL.

The second day of the International Automtive Conference emphasized the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of investing in the automotive sector in Bulgaria. The first presentation was held by Mr. Anton Donchev, Litex Motors/Great Wall, which revealed the ambitious program of the company, having the first and the only for the moment modern factory in Bulgaria for production of vehicles.

Mr. Thorsten Jordan, Managing Director of Würth Elektronik IBE Group, and Mr. Zlatan Kitanov, General Manager in the Bulgarian subsidiary revealed the difficulties the company is facing at the opening of its production facilities in Bulgaria and panel presenters led by Svetoslav Mladenov, Investment Agency, discussed the advantages for the foreign investors.

By the end of the day upcoming presentations are: Mrs. Savina Konstantinova from “Industrial Commerce” will speak for the success of Hyundai in Bulgaria, Mr. Plamen Mitev Willi Betz Group and Mr. Thibaut de Vaureix from Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc.

The second part of the day is taken up by participants from the automotive industry like Dr. Andrea Castronovo, president of BMW Group Central and Southeastern Europe, which will make a presenation on the innovative brand BMW “i”. Ph.D. engineer Vladimir Popov from Porsche AG presents the vision of electromobility in the sports segment as Head of Engineering Energy Management Panamera at Porsche. The ecology topic and electro mobility continues in the panel discussion “Industrial Cluster “Electric vehicles“, Bulgarian Sience Academy, Technical University-Sofia, and “Leschke Design“.

Speed-Press Agency

STABLE CURRENCY, LOW TAXES AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION ARE THE MAIN QUALITIES THAT FOREIGN COMPANIES ARE SEEKING.

Advantages and disadvantages of investing in Bulgaria were presented in the International Automotive Conference in a panel moderated by Svetoslav Mladenov, Executive Director of the Investment Agency. “Bulgaria has many advantages as a strategic location, very low wages; flat income tax 10% and 0% for regions with low unemployment. Investors receive shorten administrative procedure by one-third, also financial assistance for training employees to acquire vocational training and infrastructure development. By the end of the year we will have 50 working factories in the automotive industry.”, said Mladenov.

His statement was confirmed by Mr. Alexander Uzunov, Head Key Projects at Behr-Hella Thermocontrol. The company invests in construction of a new plant for auto parts in Bozhurishte, close to Sofia for 42.5 million lev. “We have looked at more than 50 locations in Europe and we took into account several factors such as quantity, quality, logistics, payroll, stability, legislation. We have received support by the Bulgarian government. We were thinking also of Macedonia, but chose not to take it because of our specific needs. For example proximity to international airport, as it is in Sofia.”, said Uzunov. According to the professional, Bulgaria must do more to improve the image of the country for foreigners on their first arrival.

Dr. Mitko Vassilev, CEO of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, presented analysis, according to which 75% of the 78 German companies in the country would invest again and are satisfied with its operations in the country. “The result is good and positive, but still low when compared to other countries. SMEs have a huge potential for development. In Germany there are more than 400 supporting programs; in Bulgaria we still don’t have such amount. Yes, there is corruption, as well as in Germany, but last year there was no change in the right direction.” said Vassilev.

Mr. Marcel Schwab from Ernst & Young promised assistance to all companies that are preparing to invest in Bulgaria. “We can help the companies with information about the legislation system. Bulgaria is much better country as what pictures are showing abroad. Companies feel these advantages and we support them. Here are coming investors who need low-cost productivity and highly qualified staff. I am telling them to invest the difference of lower taxes, compared with other places, in training. This will have a very quick return on investment. People are very well educated in the schools, but not in the technical sense. I think many still do not prefer Bulgaria as a destination because of ignorance.”

During the discussion was presented the investment of Kemmler Electronics. The company has a plant in the Czech Republic for 17 years, but in long term position, the operations will become too expensive. “Therefore, we decided to find another place to invest. Looked at opportunities in Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and finally decided to come to Bulgaria. According to us here the situation is stable as for the political environment and currency, which is one of the most important factors. The Czech Crown changed with 30-40% in the recent years and this has had a huge impact for us as a producer. Bulgaria is also in the heart of Europe, and there is a sea connection with Turkey. In contrast to our center in the Czech Republic, here the people can do much more things besides production.” said Stefan Reiber of Kemmler Electronics.

Speed-Press Agency

THE PLANT WÜRTH ELEKTRONIK IBE IN BELOZEM HAS PRODUCED 202 MILLION PARTS THAT REACH ALL CAR MANUFACTURERS

The supplier of electronic components Würth Elektronik IBe is working in Bulgaria since 2002 when purchasing a neglected barn in Belozem and hires its first employees. In ten years the business has grown over 200 times and last year they produced 203 million parts that are built into larger components of the next in the chain and can practically reach every car on the planet. So it appears that on average at least two gadgets in every car are made in Bulgaria, said at the International Automotive conference Mr. Thorsten Jordan , Managing Director of Wurth Elektronik IBe.

The company itself is a model of rapid development. Founded in 1982 in a small garage in Germany, takes advantage of the fast growing market of electronic components in cars and currently has plants in the Czech Republic, Mexico, and China. The Bulgarian factory has 243 employees and is second after the Czech one, but it is larger than in Mexico, China and Germany.

“We have not had any problems; we are trying to think locally and give the responsibility of the local team. This formula works well.” said Jordan. Future plans envisage the transfer of new, more intelectual activities in Bulgaria to exploit the potential to create more attractive jobs for young and higheducated people.

Our story here is successful and this allows us to give advice to other investors. “Do not copy- paste a model from one to another country. This culture is different from the one in Germany, but that does not mean you can not develop a successful business.” added the manager of the Bulgarian branch Zlatan Kitanov.

Speed-Press Agency

REDUCING THE WEIGHT OF VEHICLES IS ONE OF THE MAIN SOLUTIONS FOR REDUCING EMISSIONS.

ETEM factory in Sofia produces aluminum profiles for many models of BMW, Audi and Lamborghini. The plant provides aluminum for cars since 2011; it became clear during the International Automotive Conference in Sofia. “The main driving factor in the production of cars is no longer only luxury, but it is also care for the environment. One of the main methods of reducing CO2 emissions is to reduce the weight of vehicles and application of aluminum. For instance, in 1978 in each car average amount of aluminum used to be 32 kg, while in 2010 this is 160kg. All models that we supply with aluminum profiles are coming from our factory in Bulgaria. Not only for Lamborghini, but also for the Audi A8, TT, BMW 1 Series and 3 Series, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XJ and XF”, said Mr. Ralf Barten, Director of Sales at ETEM.

Speed-Press Agency

STATED DR. HERBERT FISCH, VICE PRESIDENT OF BASF HUNGARIA KFT & SOUTHEAST EUROPE, DURING THE INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE CONFERENCE.

In 2020 is expected to be produced 122 million cars (77 million in 2011) worldwide. They have to be strong, lightweight and economic. Chemistry is the key that could help the automotive industry to make them such, since it can provide new materials and technology, proudly said Dr. Herbert Fisch, Vice President of BASF Hungaria kft & Southeast Europe at the International Automotive Conference, Sofia.

BASF supplies parts and material to the automotive industry for over 9.5 billion per year and in the future the forecast shows increase and closer cooperation.

He illustrates this idea with the prototype Smart Forvision – jointly developed by Daimler and BASF, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011. For this advent-garde electric car the chemical company has provided cutting-edge solutions that make it possible to achieve 20% increased run. For example, wheels are made of thermoplastic polymers that make them 3kg lighter than aluminum and in addition they have the same strength. The seats are made of new materials which make them not only 3kgs lighter than the usual ones, but also provide an optimal climate comfort. Climate control in the car is maintained without energy consumption thanks to infrared reflective coating on the windows and the roof that is made of transparent organic solar cells which power up the car. This is only a prototype, but it shows that having a good cooperation, the chemical industry could bring the future today in the form of electric vehicles.

Speed-Press Agency

BY 2020, ONLY 10% OF THE CARS WILL BE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED.

№ 1 automotive supplier in the world, Robert Bosch is not panning to open a plant in Bulgaria, but is monitoring the development of the industry. “To be honest with you, for the moment we at Bosch are not discussing the launch of production in Bulgaria. We have an office in which 50 people are responsible for the sales. However I am pleased to be here at the conference and will be back in Austria with a comment what is happening here .I have learned a lot from my colleagues from Grammer and Festo, which are clearly very happy with my investment here and have long-term plans. We have opened several factories in Eastern Europe, the last one last year, so it will be a while before we discuss a new investment.”, said Hanno Miorini , Vice President of OEM parts in Austria and Eastern Europe at Robert Bosch.

Miorini presented the main areas of activites in the automotive sector for Bosch and determine the market entering of electric technology as a challenge to the industry. “Speaking of the next 10 years, I think the internal combustion engine will remain dominant. Hybrid operation will be much preferred for heavier vehicles and premium models. Our forecast for 2020 is to have 10 % of the industry that are driven by the electric elements. Half of them are hybrids, the rest plugin hybrids and electric cars.” said Miorini.

Speed-Press Agency

THIS IS UNUSED POTENTIAL OF OPORTUNITIES FOR OUR COUNTRY, SAYS PAVEL VESELY FROM VW.

Bulgaria provides relatively few parts for VW Group and this is unused potential for your country, ended his presentation the representative of the VW Group on the International Automotive Conference Bulgaria Pavel Vesely. In crisis the supplies from Eastern European countries actually had been increased, he said. Vesely manages offices for supplies in Budapest and Istanbul with 45 people who work with suppliers from Eastern Europe and Turkey. In 2008, VW has received parts from Eastern Europe for EUR 115 million, and this year they are for about 200 million. The largest share logically is in the countries where the biggest factories for final assembly of cars are – the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Bulgaria was invisible on his map.

Pavel Vesely has presented the mechanism for selection of suppliers for the most ambitious car manufacturer currently. The process is long and goes through several phases. The experts are seeking for appropriate manufacturers, evaluate their potential and enter into negotiations with them and when have them approved they support them. Any error at the beginning of the procedure may have serious consequences in the future. Therefore, prevention of errors is the principle of each stage of the work.

Speed-Press Agency

THE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WITHIN A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE COMPANY PROVIDES PRODUCTS FOR GREAT WALL AND ITS PARTNERS IN TURKEY, INCLUDING TOYOTA.

The Bulgarian company “Prista Oil” is turning the first sod in a couple of days for a recycling plant for waste oils in Ukraine, said the CEO Ivo Todorov at the International Automotive Conference Bulgaria. “Prista Oil” already has a terminal in Ukraine, and a recently opened plant in Azerbaijan. “The crisis gave us the opportunity for growth and diversification. It has changed customer attitudes and now the price of product is the leading factor in the purchase. Geographically, North Africa and the Middle East provide us the closest possibilities for development and markets in Central Asia are becoming increasingly important. The dynamic changes in the market make us more adaptable and more active.” said Todorov.

Speed-Press Agency

ACCORDING TO THE MANAGER, AMONG THE REASONS IMACOS HAS CHOSEN BULGARIA FOR HIS BUSINESS, IS THE AVAILABILITY OF WELL TRAINED AND KNOWLEDGE PERSONNEL.

The Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Stuttgart is satisfied with the cooperation with S Media Team. Even the start of the IACB today in Sofia shows that it is possible to do good things in Bulgaria, said in his presentation, Dr. Till Truckenmüller, as President of the consulting company IMACOS Truckenmüller & Company. This was refering specifically the cooperation with the publisher S Media Team (BBC TopGear, Auto Bild, Speed-Press Agency and other) in the organization of the conference. The company IMACOS Truckenmüller & Company is working on the project “Autopark Bulgaria”. “This project is very important for the country, there is a progress, there is an interest from investors, but now I can not mention names because it is not professional to do it before the signatures.” he said.

“Truckenmüller and Company Bulgaria” (IMACOS) is a German consulting company based in Stuttgart (1998), oriented in restructuring of enterprises, mainly in the automotive industry. The company has more than 20 years experience in the construction of production units in Eastern Europe. At the end of 2010 the Bulgarian office has been opened. Its main activity is related to consulting companies by optimizing the administrative and production processes, increasing the efficiency of enterprises. He is working hard to attract investors in Bulgaria, as well as expanding the markets for Bulgarian producers on the western markets.

Among the reasons IMACOS has chosen Bulgaria for its business Dr. Truckenmüller indicates the presence of well trained and knowledgeable personnel.

Speed-Press Agency