The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) was the networking partner of the prestigious CEE Automotive Forum conference, which took place in Budapest from November 20- 21, 2019. The agency presented at the conference Slovak investment environment and in addition to sourcing services identifying potential suppliers and service providers from Slovakia, also the SARIO innovation services.The CEE Automotive Forum has traditionally brought discussions on new trends, challenges, and opportunities in the automotive industry. The already 6th edition of this event was attended by more than 250 top automotive professionals from Central and Eastern Europe and e-mobility and its environmental justification, the rise of autonomous vehicles, digitization and robotization of production processes, as well as market pressure to reduce supply chain costs were the main topics of the discussion and speeches.A large part of the program was devoted to the business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking in addition to expert discussions. The supplier companies had the opportunity to establish direct contact with the largest automotive players and buyers in the region of Central and Eastern Europe (Jaguar Land Rover, VW Group, FCA Fiat Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, Continental, etc.). The event also for the first time in history included the award ceremony for the best automotive projects of the past year. The winners were selected by an independent international jury comprised of leading automotive representatives from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel. In the category of the Investment Project of the Year the Slovak company BROSE PRIEVIDZA won. The expert jury especially appreciated the contribution of the company in the development of the Upper Nitra Region and at the same time a long - term strategy of the company to invest not only in hi-tech production but also in its research and development capacities. BROSE is a German family multinational company currently operating in 24 countries. It focuses on the production of mechatronic systems of doors, seats and electric motors of world automobile brands.The company has two factories in Lozorno and Prievidza in Slovakia. So far, Brose Prievidza has invested over EUR 100 million, creating work for approximately 850 inhabitants of Upper Nitra and its surroundings. Phase 3 of the BROSE investment project is currently underway, creating 400 new jobs and expanding its R&D center for prototype development and testing. Since September 2019, a new dual education center has been part of the Prievidza plant, providing free training for approximately 80 students.
