“North-West Regional Innovation Center” at Automotive Cluster Bulgaria was established

The “Regional Innovation Center Northwest” at the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria was officially established in Sofia on 8 January 2020. The Regional Innovation Center is an association for supporting, encouraging, representing and protecting the regional capacity for introducing and developing innovations by enhancing cooperation between business and research organizations, universities and other scientific and educational institutes. The creation of the “Regional Innovation Center Northwest” at Automotive Cluster Bulgaria is another step towards improving the business-science partnership for the benefit of the regional economy. The center of the innovation center will be in the city of Vratsa. Ever since its foundation, the association has set itself the goal of building and developing modern research and innovation infrastructure. This will help accelerate the economic and social development of the area. The Innovation Center will manage projects involving the implementation of industrial research and experimental development to promote innovation. Last but not least, the Association aims to create talents for the future innovative and competitive development of Northwestern Bulgaria. As part of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, the “Regional Innovation Center Northwest” will develop the business-science partnership for the benefit of the regional economy. The founders of the Regional Innovation Center Northwest are 11 organizations, including Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, Vratsa Municipality, Vratsa Regional Administration, Vratsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vidin Regional Administration, “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse, Vidin Branch and companies from the region . The Innovation Center initiative is expected to be further supported by a large number of organizations.

Visteon Bulgaria unveiled industry-first 3D digital cluster in the all-new Peugeot 208

SOFIA, Bulgaria, Dec. 3, 2019 — During an event, honored by the Prime Minister Mr. Borissov and Sofia Major Mrs. Fandakova, Visteon Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of automotive digital instrument clusters, has introduced the industry’s first fully digital cluster displaying holographic objects on the all-new PEUGEOT 208. Part of PEUGEOT’s unique 3D i-Cockpit®, the instrument cluster represents the first real 3D cluster in automotive production. The new generation of PEUGEOT 208 is claiming close position to the luxury vehicle segment with an energizing design and 3 power train variants – electrical, gasoline and diesel. More demanding customers can choose between GT Line and GT modifications, allowing partial customization. The current model has more sporty spirit with its longer and wider geometry and smaller clearance compared to its predecessor. The electrical PEUGEOT e-208 offers highly stimulating experience while driving the 100W (136h.p.) electrical motor that delivers instant torque of 260Nm. The 3 cylinder, 1.2l gasoline variants (PureTech 75,100 and 130) and the 4 cylinder, 1.5l diesel variant (Blue HDi 102) are all €6.d compliant. Unique feature of this B segment vehicle is the eight gears automatic transmission EAT8 available in the PureTech 100 and 130 variants. The Drive Assist kit offers semi-autonomous driving with best in class driver assistance systems: adaptive cruise control, Full Park Assist with Flank Guard, automatic emergency braking, active lane assist, driver monitoring, road signs recognition, blind spot monitoring and electrical hand brake. Specific element of the interior is the cockpit that wraps around the occupants. Seats are comfortable and easy to maintain. Interior elements’ proportions are carefully designed to allow maximum storage space around seats and center console. Inspired by PEUGEOT FRACTAL concept vehicle the new PEUGEOT 208 takes full advantage of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit ®, essential part of the PEUGEOT DNA chosen by more than 5 million drivers. Partnering with Groupe PSA to develop a pioneering “3D Blade” concept, Visteon’s digital cluster displays advanced reflections to create the impressions of 3D graphics. The cluster is composed of a high-definition 10.25-inch “background’ thin-film transistor (TFT) and a 7-inch “foreground” TFT projected on a semi-reflective blade. The leading-edge display creates a 3D projection of approximately 15 mm between the front and rear images. The PEUGEOT 208 cluster’s projection offers styling teams the flexibility to create depth with rotating menus and shadow effects and, importantly, bring a distribution of key information to the driver – including priority information such as speed and alerts. The display also allows animations to pass dynamically from the foreground to the background in ADAS modes or as 3D animations in a number of configurable colors and skins. Ivan Mihaylov, operations manager for Visteon in Sofia, said: “The reliable performance of Visteon’s 3D cluster is guaranteed by two high-end independent CPU systems with DDR3 memory modules. The embedded electronics, mechanics and software comply with the highest automotive design standards allowing stable behavior in extreme environmental conditions. The advanced hardware provides three HD video outputs, 11 power supply sources for the various board voltage levels and gigabit serial interface with the rest of the vehicle electronics.” The PEUGEOT 208 3D cluster is the first of several variants in the Groupe PSA brand line up to be launched over the coming years in a number of sizes. Sharing the same platform as the DS3 CROSSBACK instrument cluster, the PEUGEOT 208 3D cluster – with its two TFTs surrounded by tell-tale satellites – also provides high-quality graphical content with animations and 3D content on both screens, in a complex and calibrated mechanical structure. This allows a true sense of depth to the driver, without distraction. The 3D technology is available on high-end versions of the new PEUGEOT 208, while the entry-level model is fitted with an analog cluster – also provided by Visteon. The vehicle was presented at an official ceremony at Visteon’s technology center in Sofia on December 3. Site leaders were joined by representatives from PSA and the Bulgarian government to recognize the local site’s contribution in collaboration with global development teams in the product development process to the industry-first 3D cluster. About Visteon Visteon is a global technology company that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative cockpit electronics and connected car solutions for the world’s major vehicle manufacturers. Visteon is driving the smart, learning, digital cockpit of the future, to improve safety and the user experience. Visteon is a global leader in cockpit electronic products including digital instrument clusters, information displays, infotainment, head-up displays, telematics, SmartCore™ cockpit domain controllers, and the DriveCore™ autonomous driving platform. Visteon also delivers artificial intelligence-based technologies, connected car, cybersecurity, interior sensing, embedded multimedia and smartphone connectivity software solutions. Headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan, Visteon has approximately 10,000 employees at more than 40 facilities in 18 countries. Visteon had sales of approximately $3 billion in 2018. Learn more at www.visteon.com.

Second EACN Steering Committee Meeting in Mulhouse was held

In the end of October 2019, the EACN project’s partners met in Mulhouse, France, to hold the second steering committee meeting and the monthly consortium meeting. During the steering committee meeting, held on October 23rd, a project balance was made after one year of work. It was a strategic meeting to analyse the lessons learned and aspects to improve to ensure the success of the project. The steering committee meetings are held at least every six months with the aim of summarising everything that has been done during the last period of time: progress, achievements, activities carried out and activities that are planned to be carried out in the future within the scope of the EACN project. On October 24th, the monthly consortium meeting took place to review the progress of each of the initiative’s work packages and the planning of the next activities. The next monthly consortium meeting will be held on November 6th. During these meetings, it was decided that the next matchmaking events will be held in early 2020 (one at the end of February and one at the end of March). They will focus on the areas of elasticity of production processes and process virtualization and will take place in Mulhouse and Serbia.

An Academy of Dual Education will be created by ACB, TU Sofia and European Foundation for Education Stuttgart

A letter of intent for the creation of new Academy of Dual Education was signed by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schuster (Chair of the European Foundation for Education, Stuttgart, Germany), Arch. Lyubomir Stanislavov (Lyubomir Stanislavov, CEO and Member of the Board of Directors, Automotive Cluster Bulgaria) and Prof. Dr. Stefan Stefanov (Authorized Representative of the Faculty of German Engineering and Industrial Management at the Technical University of Sofia). A new Academy of Dual Education will be created by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, Technical University Sofia and European Foundation for Education (Stuttgart, Germany). Background On 17 July 2019, the Bulgarian Government and the representatives of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria decided to create a new partnership to attract investors in the automotive industry with the aim of creating 3-4 automotive plants in Bulgaria and to grow to over 500 companies (currently 250) with an annual turnover of more than 25 billion Euros (currently 5.5 billion euros). To achieve these aims, the Bulgarian Government and the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria will prepare a strategy for the development of the automotive industry. Part of this strategy are initiatives related to advertising, finding and creating qualified personnel for the automotive industry. Aims of the Bulgarian Academy of Dual Education Based on the decision of the Bulgarian Government and Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (“ACB”) to develop educational programs which combine theory and practice by work-based learning the Academy aims to: Open up better professional chances for young people by implementing practice-oriented study programs at schools for professional education and training (VET schools) and at universities combined with work-based learning in companies. Improve the competitiveness of companies by close cooperation with educational institutions in developing study programs for VET schools and universities as well as in applied research programs. Strengthen the regional economic development by a systematic knowledge transfer specifically through regional professional competence centers. To achieve these general aims, the Academy will develop a road map to qualify personnel for the automotive industry by: Technical high schools, with profile Mechatronics. In this process a key role is played by the Technical University Sofia, with which the ACB already has joint projects. Co-operation with International Universities, such as Vienna Technical University (https://www.tuwien.at/), a member of ACB. Partnership with the Ministry of Education in order to accelerate the development of the dual education program in Bulgaria, as well as leading companies in this area for ACB members, such as FESTO, Standard Profile and others. Identification of specific technical schools in cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Ruse, Vidin, Vratsa and others and launch specific programs with them. Implementation of regional competence centers in the city of Vidin, Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Blagoevgrad. To foster the quick and efficient implementation on an international standard, the Academy will cooperate under the auspices of and with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Economy together with the ACB to establish: Networks of international and Bulgarian experts from companies, chambers, educational institutions, VET schools and universities. regional professional competence centers. These centers will cooperate with German professional training centers (“Überbetriebliche Ausbildungszentren”). These educational institutions will offer the professional skills in the most important fields of the automotive industry like mechanic, electric, mechatronics, IT and communication technologies. As many small and medium companies are not able to train all the necessary skills for a specific profession, the centers support the training and work-based education for the trainees as well for mentors, and for further education of employees as well for teachers in VET Schools. Responsibilities of the ACB, the Faculty of German Engineering and Industrial Management at TU-Sofia (“German Faculty”) and the European Foundation for Education (“EFE”): Support the creation of the Academy Implement the regional competence centers Achieve a systematic knowledge transfer through the cooperation with German regional professional competence centers and further partners Create exchange programs for teachers and mentors between Bulgarian and German schools and training institutions Support the exchange of universities on dual study and research programmes Financing The Academy will be financed primarily by the Bulgarian public institutions, by EU Funds and by private organizations, if possible. ACB, German Faculty and EFE will utilize the proceeds provided by the Bulgarian public institutions, by the EU funds and by private organizations for financing: The technical support services like the proposed networks The development and building of regional competence centers The training and exchange programmes of teachers and mentors The exchange programmes of universities Next steps Based on this letter of intent, the partners will elaborate a cooperation agreement and a budget plan.        

First EACN Matchmaking Event was held in Barcelona

The first matchmaking event of the EACN initiative was held on 1-2 of October 2019 in Barcelona. These events aim to connect SMEs from different European regions to share their needs and problems, identify common points and serve as a starting point for the promotion of potential joint collaborative projects. The first of these events, focused on robotics and artificial intelligence, was organized by CIAC (Clúster de la Indústria de l’Automoció de Catalunya), with the participation of more than 20 representatives coming both from the consortium partners (ACB, CIAC, PVF, CEAGA, AC Serbia and SA&AM), and regional SMEs involved in this European project. More about the event and the project can be found here: https://www.eacn-initiative.eu/news-and-events/first-eacn-matchmaking-event-in-barcelona.

Early registration is open for CEE Automotive Forum in Budapest (20-21 of November)

The 6th Annual CEE Automotive Forum (Budapest, 20-21 November) is a unique occasion to meet numerous industry leaders from 17 countries under one roof, visit the award winners and walk around the facilities of Robert Bosch Kft. Engineering Center and Continental Manufacturing plant in Budapest, and celebrate the best achievers of the year at the CEE Automotive Awards Ceremony. The event includes also B2B meetings. Register before 18 October to save €100 and become a part of this awaited event! For more information, registration and agenda: http://www.ceeautomotive.com/.

Register now for the 6th Annual CEE Automotive Forum and take advantage from the discount for ACB members

What are the key trends of sustainable innovative automotive industry? What does manufacturing efficiency mean for the market these days? Where do R&D Centres search for bright minds? What value do disruptive technologies bring into automotive manufacturing? Where does the industry want to be in 5 years and how to achieve it? These and many more questions will find answers at the 6th Annual CEE Automotive Forum (Budapest, 20-21 November) – the original well-known event of Adam Smith Conferences that is now moving to Budapest to gather all 16 countries for the new programme, site visits and the CEE Automotive Awards Ceremony! Some of the confirmed speakers: FCA Serbia – Miodrag Ognjanovic – Purchasing Director BMW – Peter Matyus – International Purchasing, Eastern Europe Skoda Auto – Pavel Vesely – Purchasing Director VW Group – Nikola Rejmon – Head of VW office, Hungary Aston Martin – Oskar Dondelewski – Lead Research Engineer Robert Bosch – Hanno Miorini – Vice President Original Equipment Sales (ER/SO) Continental Automotive Serbia – Sasha Cioringa – General Manager Brose – Michal Stefek – Purchasing Director, Eastern Europe Dana Hungary – Charles Wassen – General Manager, Country Operations Lead Hanon Systems Hungary Kft. – Balazs Pinczes – HR Director Register now with a 15% discount for Automotive Cluster Bulgaria members with code: AS1181MACB. Registration is already available here: http://www.adamsmithconferences.com/AS1181MACBr

A brief plan for the development of the Automotive industry in Bulgaria

Decisions of a meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Boyko Borisov and Automotive Cluster Bulgaria Participants from the Bulgarian Government: Boyko Borisov (Prime Minister), Yordanka Fandakova (Mayor of Sofia), Tomislav Donchev (Deputy Prime Minister), Vladislav Goranov (Minister of Finance), Emil Karanikolov (Minister of Economy) Participants from ACB: arch. Lyubomir Stanislavov, Ivan Mihaylov (Visteon), Milen Raykov (EY), Plamen Mitev (Vienna Real Estate), Rosen Plevneliev (President of the Republic of Bulgaria 2012-2017), Stefan Ivanov (FESTO) and Tommy Ver Elst (Sensata)   17 July 2019, Sofia – Council of Ministers Partnership between Automotive Cluster Bulgaria and the Government of Bulgaria: The Automotive Cluster Bulgaria was established in 2012 with the main long-term goal of attracting strategic OEMs in Bulgaria and accelerating development of the automotive industry in Bulgaria, or in other words creating modern factories for automobile production in the country. The interest of world-known companies such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, PSA (Peugeot), BMW, FAW, Daimler and others is largely provoked by the activity of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria in Bulgaria and abroad. Successfully attracting the Bosch Automotive R & D Center in Sofia (from Belgrade) was a keystone moment in 2018. Automotive Cluster Bulgaria would be a key and institutionalized partner of the Bulgarian Government to attract investors in the automotive industry with the aim of creating 3-4 automotive plants in Bulgaria, centered in different cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Blagoevgrad, Rousse, Vidin and others. As a result of this strategy, we expect the number of component manufacturers in Bulgaria to grow to over 500 companies (currently 250) with an annual turnover of more than 25 billion euros (currently 5.5 billion euros). The theme of building a large car factory is one of the few strategic goals that unite the whole of society, regardless of political affiliation, gender or religion. In this sense, the theme is in fact an informally formulated national priority; Improving the communication between Automotive Cluster Bulgaria and the Government of Bulgaria: In almost all other countries, automotive clusters are either government structures or clearly government-backed organizations with a mandate to hold talks and state policy in their respective spheres. Institutionalization of ACB: Automotive Cluster Bulgaria as an associate or full partner in the National Tripartite Cooperation Council. ACB will protect the interests of the automotive industry (which has the potential to reach a minimum 25% share of the Bulgarian economy over the next 5 years). This will allow ACB to address larger projects, accelerating the development of the automotive industry in Bulgaria in the field of mobility of the future (electric, autonomous and related vehicles); A Strategy for the Development of the Automotive Industry in Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Government and Automotive Cluster Bulgaria to prepare a proposal for a strategy for accelerated development of the automotive industry in Bulgaria. Specific projects related to the mobility of the future can also be identified, such as: 4.1.         Autonomous Driving: Creating a test track for autonomous vehicles. 4.2.         5G Lab: Joint creation and management of the first experimental 5G Laboratory on the territory of Sofia Tech Park to work in synergy with the planned data center with a supercomputer back there. Technology is vital to all companies that develop autonomous driving technologies that require huge amounts of data to be exchanged. 4.3.         More added value from the Bulgarian automotive industry: Establishing incubation programs that stimulate more Bulgarian companies to enter the system of automotive suppliers, the first successful examples are already in place. 4.4.         Ad-hoc support for large Tier 1 vendors. 4.5.         The Square – Automotive R&D Center в Sofia Tech Park. Creation of a center of national importance for software development in the world of connectivity and autonomous management. 4.6.         Incentives for the production, distribution and use of electric vehicles. Legislative initiatives: Together with the Bulgarian government, Automotive Cluster Bulgaria would initiate changes to the following laws: 5.1.         R&D initiative: introducing additional tax incentives for development companies

Are you passionate about robotics? Go ahead!

Are you passionate about robotics? Do you have a robotics project in mind? Are you an expert in the sector interested in spreading your knowledge all around the world? If any of these questions describe you, we have an opportunity for you! Sofia Tech Park is working on the DIH project with some of the most renowned experts in robotics to create online courses and develop a model that represents the needs of European mid-caps and SMEs in their implementation of robotic technologies. In order to achieve this, we need your answers. The questionaire takes around 20 mins, and the final day to do it is June 20, 2019. Fill out this questionnaire and get 10 FREE ROBOTICS COURSES, FULL REPORT, CONNECTIONS in up to 170 Digital Innovation Hubs. The rise of robotics is changing the world. Take part in the transformation, we will support you with 10 top quality courses. Fill out the questionaire here!