About us

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB) represents one of Bulgaria’s fastest-growing economic sectors: the automotive industry, uniting manufacturers and suppliers producing components for nearly every automotive brand, along with organizations providing services to the industry. We promote synergies among our members, enhancing their business growth and competitiveness in both local and global markets.

The Bulgarian automotive industry currently comprises over 380 nationally and internationally recognized companies and 38 R&D centers, employing more than 80,000 people in Bulgaria and around 13.8 million across Europe. This sector contributes approximately 11% to Bulgaria’s GDP and generates a turnover exceeding 10 billion euros.

Team

Our team consists of highly qualified and dedicated professionals who enjoy the challenge of providing quality support, advice, expertise and knowledge to all companies in the automotive sector, operating on the Bulgarian market. Our mission is to set-up sustainable automotive manufacturing in Bulgaria by promoting the development of science, technology and innovation in the automotive industry.

How We Support your Business?

  • Networking Opportunities

We offer a dynamic platform for automotive industry businesses to connect, collaborate, and share insights. Through a range of networking events, we foster interactions among industry leaders and innovators, enabling knowledge exchange and partnership exploration. By promoting connections and collaboration, we support businesses in accessing new markets, discovering innovative solutions, and building strategic relationships that drive success in the evolving automotive landscape.

  • Supporting Growth and Development

We offer comprehensive support to our members in establishing and expanding their production, assembly, research and development, sales, and service operations. At ACB, we help companies navigate the local market landscape and optimize operational efficiencies, fostering an environment conducive to innovation.

  • Access to Government Support and Incentives

We support the companies in securing government support and incentives for the initiating and development of projects. By partnering with Bulgarian government institutions, we facilitate access to grants, tax reliefs, and funding programs. Through strategic guidance and a collaborative approach with the administration, we ensure our members can leverage available resources, positioning them for growth and long-term success.

  • Funding Opportunities and Sources

The Cluster also assists its members with funding advisory services, helping them access funding programs and grants by preparing necessary documents and budgets. By facilitating access to diverse funding sources, we empower companies to pursue ambitious projects, enhance their capabilities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our goal is to connect businesses with the financial resources necessary to turn their ideas into reality.

  • Internationalization

We actively participate in international projects that facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration across borders. This allows us to connect our members with global partners, providing access to valuable resources and expertise. By fostering strategic partnerships and facilitating networking opportunities, we empower companies to diversify their operations, tap into new revenue streams, and strengthen their presence on the world stage.

ACB is an active member of the European Automotive Cluster Network (EACN) and the Automotive Skills Alliance (ASA), positioning itself as a key player in promoting innovation and workforce development within the European automotive ecosystem.

  • Driving Industry Change Towards Sustainability

We advocate for the integration of sustainable business models that promote socially responsible practices and initiatives, and compliance with regulatory standards. By encouraging the adoption of green technologies, circular economy principles, and ESG frameworks, we aim to support our members` long-term growth that benefits not only their businesses but also society and the environment.

  • Technological Advancements

We empower our members in their digital transformation journey by providing access to advanced tools, specialized training, and infrastructure. Our initiatives support the integration of smart manufacturing technologies, enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation across the industry. Additionally, we connect manufacturers and suppliers with leading research institutions and innovative startups to foster collaborative advancements.

  • Enhancing Education and Training

To bolster competitiveness, we collaborate with government agencies, local and international universities, and private training providers to develop and support educational initiatives, including the establishment of technology centers. The Cluster also assists in professional development activities for company staff, such as skills training related to Industry 4.0.

Board of Directors

Emmanouil Fountoukis

Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors

Thomas Purnell

Co-Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors

Lyubomir Stanislavov

CEO and Member of the Board of Directors

Milen Raikov

Member of the Board of Directors

Vladimir Sedlarski

Member of the Board of Directors

Sylvain Collot

Member of the Board of Directors

Kalin Dobrev

Member of the Board of Directors

Tommy Ver Elst

Member of the Board of Directors

Velizar Dimov

Member of the Board of Directors

Konstantin Konov

Member of the Board of Directors

Dinko Rusev

Member of the Board of Directors

Philippe Marquet

Member of the Board of Directors

Petar Angelov

Member of the Board of Directors

Vienna Real Estate EAD

Plamen Mitev

Member of the Board of Directors

History

2024

Nidec Instruments opened its R&D center in Sofia.

2023

Melexis completed its €75 mln investment in a new high-tech building in Sofia.

2022

Nidec Elesys R&D Europe Bulgaria was opened.

2019

Odelo opened a plant in Plovdiv and a R&D center in Sofia.

2019

Bosch Engineering Center was opened in Sofia.

2018

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria announces the start of a project for an Automotive R&D center worth 45 million euros.

2017

Yazaki opens cable systems plant with capacity of
5,000 jobs.

2017

Visteon opens R&D center in Sofia with a capacity
of 1,000 engineers.

2016

Sensata opens its second plant in the "Maritsa" industrial zone.

2015

Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (BHTC) opens its plant in Bozhurishte industrial zone.

2014

The Standard Profile plant in Stara Zagora doubles its production capacity. A second plant is built.

2013

According to the Financial Times, the Bulgarian automotive industry is becoming an example of successful development, sales in the sector exceed 1 billion euros and make up more than 5% of the country's total exports. 24,953 new motor vehicles were registered.

2012

The "Litex Motors" plant near the village of Bahovitsa producing cars of the Chinese brand Great Wall begins operation. The compact Voleex C10, the all-terrain Hover H5 and the Steed pickup roll off the assembly line.

2012

Yazaki plant in Sliven is preparing for cable components production for Ford.

2012

The supplier of BMW ALC opens a factory for leather seats in the village of Musachevo next to the town of Elin Pelin.

2012

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria is established. The purpose of the association is to drastically and permanently change the indicators and to support the development of the Bulgarian automotive industry.

2011

Trakia Glass Bulgaria opens a factory for automotive glass in the city of Targovishte. The products are installed in models of Dacia, Skoda, Audi, BMW, etc.

A second workshop of the Teklas plant for rubber and plastic products (e.g. pipes for cooling systems, sealing elements, etc.) used in the automotive industry opens in the town of Kardzhali.

2009

The Witte Automotive plant in Ruse starts production of components such as locking mechanisms for car covers, dimensional compensators, etc.

2008

The French group Montupet officially starts production of aluminum components in the city of Ruse. The plant produces cylinder heads for Audi, BMW/PSA and Renault, as well as carriers.

2007

The Japanese Corporation Yazaki builds a wire harness plant in the city of Yambol, producing components for Renault models.

2006

Melexis Bulgaria opens a new production base in Sofia. A factory of the Turkish company Teklas for car rubber and plastic components opens in the town of Kardzhali.

2005

The first foreign investment of Standard Profil - the plant in the city of Stara Zagora - starts operating.

2004

In Botevgrad, the Sensor Knight factory starts production of temperature sensors for leading automotive giants such as Volkswagen Group and Hyundai.

2001

Johnson Controls, the world automotive electronics and software leader, opens a branch in Sofia. It develops solutions for Citroen, Nissan, Renault, etc.

2000

The Belgian producer of electronic car components Melexis launches the activities of its Bulgarian division.

1998

Debut of the first Bulgarian all-terrain vehicle "Preslav", which never goes into serial production. A year later, the Chavdar plant is liquidated.

1997

Grammer buys the factory in the village of Trudovets, which produces seats and equipment for the Chavdar buses. The plant employs 1,100 people and produces a wide range of seats for construction equipment, motorcycles and electric trucks, as well as parts and systems for the interior equipment of passenger cars. The production is successfully exported to Germany, Great Britain, USA, Turkey, China and Russia. Grammer's annual turnover is 50 million euros, and the total amount of investments 19 million euros since 1997.

1996

Attempt for production of Skoda Beta cars based on Hyundai, without success. Zastava again proposes to start the production of Yugo Florida cars in Bulgaria after the production of Rover has been stopped. Sales in our country fall to record low levels, comparable to the 1950s.

1995

The second major automotive project in Bulgaria is launched, the production of Rover Maestro in the city of Varna. Manufacturing lasts 6 months, during which 3,641 cars are assembled.

1994

Beginning of the production of the NAMCO Ford Pony light trucks in the city of Dupnitsa, which is discontinued in the same year. A year later, Racho Dzhambov, the founder of the factory in Botevgrad, dies.

1989

The Bulgarian-Yugoslav consortium "Balkanavto" is established with the aim of producing Zastava in Bulgaria.

1988

Start of production of "Moskvich 2141 Aleko" in the city of Lovech.

1985

Eng. Velizar Andreev presents the sports car "Sofia", which he produces in small series until the beginning of the 1990s.

The production of MAN diesel engines at the Clement Gottwald plant in Dobrica is adopted.

1982

The factory Madara in the city of Shumen begins production of Avia small trucks.

1979

Production of Renault in the city of Plovdiv stops, the only cars still produced are "Moskvich" 1360/1500. Sales exceed 75,000 cars per year.

1978

The first Bulgarian sports car is built by the famous Bulgarian racer Mr. Boncho Dunev - Formula "Ester".

"Balkankar" becomes the largest manufacturer of lifting and transport equipment in the world.

1977

"Chavdar" finally adopts production of Setra.

1975

The production of "Moskvich" in Lovech reaches 15,000 units per year. The country's car fleet already exceeds 1 million.

1970

The factory "Madara" in the city of Shumen cooperates with the Czech LIAZ plants for the assembly of Skoda trucks. Later it specializes in the production of rear axles. In the city of Plovdiv, a new prototype of the "Chavdar" bus created under license from Kässbohrer is presented.

1969

Debut of the most spectacular Bulgarian car to date - "Bulgaralpin" 1100.

1968

The Hebros 1100 car model is designed, it is intended to replace the Bulgarreno 8 and Bulgarreno 10 produced in the city of Plovdiv.

SAAB offers to assemble cars in Bulgaria - a unique proposition since the Swedes did have not produced their models outside of Scandinavia. The proposal is rejected.

"Madara" plant in the city of Shumen begins assembly of GAS and ZIL.

1967

"Balkan" plant in the city of Lovech begins to assemble FIAT, models 850, 850 Coupe and 124 (later known as "Zhiguli"). Production lasts only 4 years. \

In the city of Plovdiv, the "Balkan" minibus is presented once again, only as a prototype. HIPKIEM designs the "Pioneer 63" electric car. The Varna plant "VAMO" begins production of diesel engines under the license of the English company Perkins.

1966

A plant in the city of Lovech begins the assembly of "Moskvich". The "Chavdar" plant in the city of Botevgrad launches a new series of M81 buses with a modern Bulgarian design.

1965

The first major automotive investment in Bulgaria, the production of the Renault 8 - "Bulgarreno" model begins in the city of Plovdiv. Bulgaria and Poland are the first socialist countries with such production.

1962

During the Plovdiv Fair, "Balkan" plant demonstrates the first Bulgarian pickups and minibuses, now the mechanics are from "Volga", but they also remain only prototypes.

1961

First car advertisement on the pages of "Auto-Moto" magazine. The ad is of Renault Dauphine model.

1960

The first Bulgarian car "Balkan 1200", produced on the basis of the VW Käfer, is shown at the Plovdiv Fair. The model remains only a prototype.

1952

The first Bulgarian electric forklift is manufactured by the tram depot workshop in the city Sofia.

1951

Assembly of the Soviet MTB 82 trolleybuses is adopted in the city of Sofia, the first one is put into motion on February 15.

1949

Attempt for truck manufacturing. “Factory 12” in Sofia assembles its first vehicle using parts of different vehicle models.

1947

Racho Dzambazov’s workshop is nationalized. Its first bus, built after the war, is shown during the Plovdiv fair. The factory’s pre-war manufacturing levels of 100 vehicles per year are reached in 1949.

1939

The first autobahn in Bulgaria is built between the cities of Plovdiv and Pazardzhik.

1938

Racho Dzhambazov’s workshop in Botevgrad improves its work - during a visit to the German bus plant Kässbohrer in the town of Ulm, Dzhambazov purchases new machinery. In 1938 a total of 478 vehicles are imported and the total count of the cars in Bulgaria reaches 2585.

1937

Ilchevi brothers, importers of “International“ in Bulgaria, establish their own workshop in the city of Varna and start production of bus and other bodies on the chassis of the same brand. The first Bulgarian bus is launched on the Varna - Burgas line on May 27, 1937.

1929

According to “Yug” newspaper, Henry Ford intends to visit Bulgaria and Turkey with the aim to build a factory. He does not actually visit the two countries, but the Turkey plant is already a fact. The the first Bulgarian tire manufacturer "Bakish" is established.

1926

The newly built aircraft factory in the town of Kazanlak begins production of car bodies on Chevrolet chassis. The venture is operating only three years.

1924

The wheelwright master Racho Dzhambov from the city of Botevgrad begins production of the first Bulgarian passenger bodies. The basis is scrapped chassis of military ambulances and trucks.

2024

Nidec Instruments opened its R&D center in Sofia.

2023

Melexis completed its €75 mln investment in a new high-tech building in Sofia.

2022

Nidec Elesys R&D Europe Bulgaria was opened.

2019

Odelo opened a plant in Plovdiv and a R&D center in Sofia.

2019

Bosch Engineering Center was opened in Sofia.

2018

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria announces the start of a project for an Automotive R&D center worth 45 million euros.

2017

Yazaki opens cable systems plant with capacity of
5,000 jobs.

2017

Visteon opens R&D center in Sofia with a capacity
of 1,000 engineers.

2016

Sensata opens its second plant in the "Maritsa" industrial zone.

2015

Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (BHTC) opens its plant in Bozhurishte industrial zone.

2014

The Standard Profile plant in Stara Zagora doubles its production capacity. A second plant is built.

2013

According to the Financial Times, the Bulgarian automotive industry is becoming an example of successful development, sales in the sector exceed 1 billion euros and make up more than 5% of the country's total exports. 24,953 new motor vehicles were registered.

2012

The "Litex Motors" plant near the village of Bahovitsa producing cars of the Chinese brand Great Wall begins operation. The compact Voleex C10, the all-terrain Hover H5 and the Steed pickup roll off the assembly line.

Yazaki plant in Sliven is preparing for cable components production for Ford.

The supplier of BMW ALC opens a factory for leather seats in the village of Musachevo next to the town of Elin Pelin.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria is established. The purpose of the association is to drastically and permanently change the indicators and to support the development of the Bulgarian automotive industry.

2011

Trakia Glass Bulgaria opens a factory for automotive glass in the city of Targovishte. The products are installed in models of Dacia, Skoda, Audi, BMW, etc.

A second workshop of the Teklas plant for rubber and plastic products (e.g. pipes for cooling systems, sealing elements, etc.) used in the automotive industry opens in the town of Kardzhali.

2009

The Witte Automotive plant in Ruse starts production of components such as locking mechanisms for car covers, dimensional compensators, etc.

2008

The French group Montupet officially starts production of aluminum components in the city of Ruse. The plant produces cylinder heads for Audi, BMW/PSA and Renault, as well as carriers.

2007

The Japanese Corporation Yazaki builds a wire harness plant in the city of Yambol, producing components for Renault models.

2006

Melexis Bulgaria opens a new production base in Sofia. A factory of the Turkish company Teklas for car rubber and plastic components opens in the town of Kardzhali.

2005

The first foreign investment of Standard Profil - the plant in the city of Stara Zagora - starts operating.

2004

In Botevgrad, the Sensor Knight factory starts production of temperature sensors for leading automotive giants such as Volkswagen Group and Hyundai.

2001

Johnson Controls, the world automotive electronics and software leader, opens a branch in Sofia. It develops solutions for Citroen, Nissan, Renault, etc.

2000

The Belgian producer of electronic car components Melexis launches the activities of its Bulgarian division.

1998

Debut of the first Bulgarian all-terrain vehicle "Preslav", which never goes into serial production. A year later, the Chavdar plant is liquidated.

1997

Grammer buys the factory in the village of Trudovets, which produces seats and equipment for the Chavdar buses. The plant employs 1,100 people and produces a wide range of seats for construction equipment, motorcycles and electric trucks, as well as parts and systems for the interior equipment of passenger cars. The production is successfully exported to Germany, Great Britain, USA, Turkey, China and Russia. Grammer's annual turnover is 50 million euros, and the total amount of investments 19 million euros since 1997.

1996

Attempt for production of Skoda Beta cars based on Hyundai, without success. Zastava again proposes to start the production of Yugo Florida cars in Bulgaria after the production of Rover has been stopped. Sales in our country fall to record low levels, comparable to the 1950s.

1995

The second major automotive project in Bulgaria is launched, the production of Rover Maestro in the city of Varna. Manufacturing lasts 6 months, during which 3,641 cars are assembled.

1994

Beginning of the production of the NAMCO Ford Pony light trucks in the city of Dupnitsa, which is discontinued in the same year. A year later, Racho Dzhambov, the founder of the factory in Botevgrad, dies.

1989

The Bulgarian-Yugoslav consortium "Balkanavto" is established with the aim of producing Zastava in Bulgaria.

1988

Start of production of "Moskvich 2141 Aleko" in the city of Lovech.

1985

Eng. Velizar Andreev presents the sports car "Sofia", which he produces in small series until the beginning of the 1990s.

The production of MAN diesel engines at the Clement Gottwald plant in Dobrica is adopted.

1982

The factory Madara in the city of Shumen begins production of Avia small trucks.

1979

Production of Renault in the city of Plovdiv stops, the only cars still produced are "Moskvich" 1360/1500. Sales exceed 75,000 cars per year.

1978

The first Bulgarian sports car is built by the famous Bulgarian racer Mr. Boncho Dunev - Formula "Ester".

"Balkankar" becomes the largest manufacturer of lifting and transport equipment in the world.

1977

"Chavdar" finally adopts production of Setra.

1975

The production of "Moskvich" in Lovech reaches 15,000 units per year. The country's car fleet already exceeds 1 million.

1970

The factory "Madara" in the city of Shumen cooperates with the Czech LIAZ plants for the assembly of Skoda trucks. Later it specializes in the production of rear axles. In the city of Plovdiv, a new prototype of the "Chavdar" bus created under license from Kässbohrer is presented.

1969

Debut of the most spectacular Bulgarian car to date - "Bulgaralpin" 1100.

1968

The Hebros 1100 car model is designed, it is intended to replace the Bulgarreno 8 and Bulgarreno 10 produced in the city of Plovdiv.

SAAB offers to assemble cars in Bulgaria - a unique proposition since the Swedes did have not produced their models outside of Scandinavia. The proposal is rejected.

"Madara" plant in the city of Shumen begins assembly of GAS and ZIL.

1967

"Balkan" plant in the city of Lovech begins to assemble FIAT, models 850, 850 Coupe and 124 (later known as "Zhiguli"). Production lasts only 4 years. \

In the city of Plovdiv, the "Balkan" minibus is presented once again, only as a prototype. HIPKIEM designs the "Pioneer 63" electric car. The Varna plant "VAMO" begins production of diesel engines under the license of the English company Perkins.

1966

A plant in the city of Lovech begins the assembly of "Moskvich". The "Chavdar" plant in the city of Botevgrad launches a new series of M81 buses with a modern Bulgarian design.

1965

The first major automotive investment in Bulgaria, the production of the Renault 8 - "Bulgarreno" model begins in the city of Plovdiv. Bulgaria and Poland are the first socialist countries with such production.

1962

During the Plovdiv Fair, "Balkan" plant demonstrates the first Bulgarian pickups and minibuses, now the mechanics are from "Volga", but they also remain only prototypes.

1961

First car advertisement on the pages of "Auto-Moto" magazine. The ad is of Renault Dauphine model.

1960

The first Bulgarian car "Balkan 1200", produced on the basis of the VW Käfer, is shown at the Plovdiv Fair. The model remains only a prototype.

1952

The first Bulgarian electric forklift is manufactured by the tram depot workshop in the city Sofia.

1951

Assembly of the Soviet MTB 82 trolleybuses is adopted in the city of Sofia, the first one is put into motion on February 15.

1949

Attempt for truck manufacturing. “Factory 12” in Sofia assembles its first vehicle using parts of different vehicle models.

1947

Racho Dzambazov’s workshop is nationalized. Its first bus, built after the war, is shown during the Plovdiv fair. The factory’s pre-war manufacturing levels of 100 vehicles per year are reached in 1949.

1939

The first autobahn in Bulgaria is built between the cities of Plovdiv and Pazardzhik.

1938

Racho Dzhambazov’s workshop in Botevgrad improves its work - during a visit to the German bus plant Kässbohrer in the town of Ulm, Dzhambazov purchases new machinery. In 1938 a total of 478 vehicles are imported and the total count of the cars in Bulgaria reaches 2585.

1937

Ilchevi brothers, importers of “International“ in Bulgaria, establish their own workshop in the city of Varna and start production of bus and other bodies on the chassis of the same brand. The first Bulgarian bus is launched on the Varna - Burgas line on May 27, 1937.

1929

According to “Yug” newspaper, Henry Ford intends to visit Bulgaria and Turkey with the aim to build a factory. He does not actually visit the two countries, but the Turkey plant is already a fact. The the first Bulgarian tire manufacturer "Bakish" is established.

1926

The newly built aircraft factory in the town of Kazanlak begins production of car bodies on Chevrolet chassis. The venture is operating only three years.

1924

The wheelwright master Racho Dzhambov from the city of Botevgrad begins production of the first Bulgarian passenger bodies. The basis is scrapped chassis of military ambulances and trucks.