Twelve Slovenian companies, members of SRIP ACS+, met with representatives of Škoda Auto in the Czech Republic. They presented their range of products and services that could be of interest to the Czechs and toured Škoda’s car manufacturing facility in Mladá Boleslav. During the two-day visit, they also participated in a Czech-Slovenian strategic dialogue on the impact of EU policies on the Central and Eastern European region. Our association has also officially become a member of the CEE Auto HUB.
The Czech company Škoda Auto has been a part of the automotive world for over 100 years. It is one of the most important companies in this sector, offering significant business opportunities, having produced over a million vehicles last year alone. Slovenian suppliers are well aware of this, which is why, in a joint effort organized by the ACS Slovenian Automotive Cluster and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Prague, and with the support of the SPIRIT Slovenia Public Agency, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sport, traveled to the Czech Republic, where they presented Škoda representatives with the best products they currently have to offer. All with the aim of strengthening cooperation and business ties with this legendary Czech company.
Škoda, which brings together 4,000 procurement professionals worldwide, was represented in Mladá Boleslav by Chief Procurement Officer Michael Kerschensteiner and his team. He told Slovenian suppliers that Škoda must remain competitive in the global market, which is why they are always looking for competitive and reliable partners who can offer them favorable prices. This is especially true now that supply chains are concentrated primarily in Europe. Since they are looking for specific automotive parts, they want long-term partnerships. Our companies can provide this, so he expressed satisfaction with what he heard and announced that they would certainly be contacting some of the companies presented.
Among the participants in the business visit was Tanja Mohorič, director of SRIP ACS+. She presented the tradition of the Slovenian automotive industry and current business data for the sector to the Czechs. She highlighted the strong tradition of the metalworking industry in Slovenia and, together with the companies, also niche products that rank our companies among the world’s leaders. She also emphasized that their key competitive advantage is flexibility, as they quickly adapt to market conditions and collaborate on development projects under the GREMO Mission for green mobility.
Aleš Balut, the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in Prague, also addressed the gathering; he and his team, through their economic diplomacy, were among those most instrumental in opening economic opportunities at Škoda. He thanked the Czech company for the opportunity and emphasized that the automotive industry is one of the key sectors that the embassy has identified as worthy of support. He announced further cooperation with Škoda and expressed hope for the conclusion of concrete business deals. To this end, he also organized a reception at the Slovenian Embassy for Czech and Slovenian companies and institutions, where representatives from both countries sought new opportunities and partnerships for cooperation.
As we aim to further strengthen our presence in the European automotive market, we formally signed a membership agreement the following day at ACS with the Central and Eastern European automotive hub CEE Auto HUB, which operates under the auspices of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). This has opened the door to important strategic connections and partnerships, as the localization of supply chains is becoming increasingly important. Our business ties with Škoda are already one such example, and with the support of the Embassy in Prague and economic diplomacy, more are on the horizon.
To further strengthen collaboration, CEE Auto HUB organized a Czech-Slovenian strategic dialogue at the conclusion of the two-day business meeting, where participants discussed the impact of EU policies on the Central and Eastern European region. Among the key challenges, participants highlighted, among other things, high electricity prices, which are 2 to 3 times higher than in the U.S. or China. The European automotive industry also faces difficulties due to extensive and complex EU legislation, which reduces and undermines their competitiveness. The companies concluded the highly successful visit in a relaxed atmosphere, where they continued to exchange experiences with their Czech colleagues through networking, thereby further strengthening the emerging Slovenian-Czech ties.
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Additional information: SRIP ACS+, Erik Blatnik, 01/ 236 17 35, erik.blatnik@acs-giz.si
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The automotive industry in Slovenia generates approximately 10% of the GDP and almost 25% of Slovenian exports (source: SPIRIT Slovenia). All members of SRIP ACS+, including all areas of mobility, contribute more than 17% to Slovenian GDP. Our members generate more than 8 billion euros in annual revenue, most of them operating as tier 1 and 2 suppliers to global vehicle manufacturers. Annually, SRIP ACS+ members receive more than 25% of all awarded innovations of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia originating from the automotive industry.