BMW announced that serial production at its €1 billion plant in Debrecen, eastern Hungary, is set to launch in autumn.
The announcement was made by Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, following a meeting with BMW executives on February 13.
Szijjártó highlighted the significance of the plant for Hungary’s economy, stating that the production of electric vehicles (EVs) would provide an “enormous boost.” The minister met with Milan Nedeljković, BMW’s board member for production, and Hans-Peter Kemser, the director of the Debrecen facility, to discuss the project’s progress.
The Debrecen plant, located in an industrial park, will span over 400 hectares and have an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles. Construction of the facility, carried out by Market Építő, a company owned by István Garancsi, cost €370 million.
BMW initially planned to start operations in 2024 but adjusted its timeline following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The plant will begin serial production with 2,000 vehicles, gradually increasing output as production ramps up.
While BMW had earlier aimed for full capacity of 150,000 units annually, local media reports suggest the target has been revised to 90,000 vehicles to align with market demand.
Hungary’s automotive industry milestone
Once operational, the Debrecen plant will make Hungary one of only three countries globally to host production facilities for all three German premium carmakers: Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The plant will also be BMW’s first carbon-neutral assembly facility and will include a battery assembly plant, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and electric mobility.
Szijjártó reiterated Hungary’s support for the automotive industry, including backing a legal challenge by carmakers against the European Commission’s tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. He emphasised the government’s commitment to collaborating with BMW on issues affecting the competitiveness of the European automotive sector.
The launch of BMW’s Debrecen plant marks a significant step in Hungary’s efforts to position itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing and EV production. As the automotive industry transitions toward electrification, the facility is expected to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation in the region.
