Automotive Cluster Bulgaria to strengthen the international automotive presence in Bulgaria

Networking within the European Automotive Cluster is essential for the transfer of information throughout the industry. In the context of transnational projects, members get access to the latest methods and best practices. The contact with the OEMs, Tier 1 and other leading suppliers is also considerably facilitated. The role of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB) is to further strengthen the international presence in Bulgaria. Therefore the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria constantly develops contacts with international automotive clusters and participates as an exhibitor or a visitor at major trade fairs, conferences and symposia. The ACB participated as an exhibitor at the Automotive Forum on 14 and 15 May 2013 in Stuttgart (Ludwigsburg), Germany where it established important contacts with leading German and international automotive companies.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria fosters innovation

At a ceremony of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) in Sofia organized under the motto Germany: a Country of Innovation, Dr. Truckenmüller, President of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB) had a conversation with Mr. Rolf Kruczinna, Head of the German Department of the 91st German High School Prof. Konstantin Galabov and a participant in the Young Scientists 2012 Programme held in Cologne. Setting up innovative structures and development centers is an important goal of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria in partnership with the Serbian Automotive Cluster

On 28 and 29 March 2013 representatives of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB) visited the Serbian Automotive Cluster (AC Serbia) at the invitation of the organization. The main objective of the visit was establishment of a strategic partnership and business relations for cooperation and development of joint projects. AC Serbia, having 45 members, thereof 42 companies and 3 R&D and educational institutions, acts as a central network of automotive parts and component manufacturers in Serbia. The network aims at providing support in strengthening the competitiveness of its members, achieving a profitable positioning within the supplier value chain of international car producers and effecting indirectly the enhancement of the economic situation within the whole automotive supplier sector.

Clusters in Bulgaria are already partners

On 29 January 2013 the Electric Vehicles Industrial Cluster /EVIC/ and Automotive Cluster Bulgaria /ACB/ entered into a cooperation agreement. The main objective of the agreement is establishment of a strategic partnership and business relations supporting the automotive industry in Bulgaria and development of electric mobility. The subject of the agreement includes business partnership, expert support, development and scientific activity, development and upgrade of educational programs for professional training, etc. The agreement between both clusters lays the foundations of a good practice for cluster cooperation in Bulgaria which supports the Bulgarian economy and contributes to innovation industry development.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria presented its activities at the 14th Automotive Suppliers’ Day in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

On 13 November 2012 Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB) took part in the 14th Automotive Suppliers’ Day in Baden-Württemberg, a forum for the suppliers of parts and components to OEMs, hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Baden-Württemberg, which was held at the House of Economics in Stuttgart, Germany. Within the frames of the event an annual TecNet meeting was organized, where all TecNet activities of the past year were presented and experiences shared. This was an excellent opportunity for the participants to join discussions and inform themselves on the operational processes at other companies as well as to find mutual interests for cooperation. Experts in the spheres of practice, economy and politics presented the latest development trends in the sector. ACB participated with its own stand at the exhibition, presenting its activities and future projects in the automotive sector in Bulgaria and thus attracting huge interest by visitors. The event was very successful for Automotive Cluster Bulgaria with regard to new contacts and partnerships.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria invited to Global Connect in Stuttgart, Germany

On 14 November 2012 Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB) was invited to present its activities at Global Connect, the leading German Business Services Trade Show and Event Forum for Experts and Internationalisation in Stuttgart, Germany, held at the New Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre. Visitors are decision-makers from internationally operating companies in Baden-Württemberg and Germany and trade visitors of the most important export sectors of the German industry. The topics discussed range from planning the first steps on international markets to optimisation of existing international business activities. Ms. Kristina Vladimirova, ACB Manager, made a presentation within the framework of the congress “Countries and Markets” regarding the EU Strategy (EUSDR) and business opportunities in the Danube Region. The report included a presentation of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria and projects envisaged within the EUSDR: Auto Park Bulgaria: The objective of the project is realization of the ACB vision, and namely: set-up of automotive industry in Bulgaria. Pan-European Automotive Recycling Center: A satellite project of the Auto Park Bulgaria project, closing the life cycle of vehicles and further contributing to the development of the Danube region. The initiatives of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria were accepted well and aroused the interest of the Government of Baden-Württemberg for mutual cooperation and support.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria participated in the 1st Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in Regensburg, Germany

On 27 and 28 November 2012 ACB participated in the 1st Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in Regensburg (Bavaria), Germany. The first high-level forum, which brings together ministers from all 14 countries participating in the Danube Strategy, was organized in cooperation between the Government of Bavaria and the European Commission. German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel was a special guest to the event. She addressed the audience, encouraging the Danube stakeholders to make use of the chance we have in Europe: to live in a democracy. The conference was opened by Commissioner Hahn, Member of the European Commission in charge of Regional Policy, under the motto “How can the Danube Region help to build a more competitive Europe”, and focused on partnerships in terms of investment and economic competitiveness, infrastructure development and energy efficiency to foster macro-regional development and create a sustainable Danube region. Key speakers at the event, representing Bulgaria, were Ms. Lilyana Pavlova, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Mr. Evgueni Spassov from the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Ms. Zornitsa Roussinova, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Mr. Kalin Georgiev from the Ministry of Interior and Mr. Strahil Karapchanski, Vice-Mayor of Ruse. Speaking before 600 decision-makers from business, politics, international organisations and civil society, Minister Lilyana Pavlova reported on implemented and future projects and proposed funds from the technical assistance program for CBC Romania-Bulgaria 2007-2013 to finance feasibility studies for the construction of new bridges over the Danube River. ACB attended several workshops with the participation of representatives of the Bulgarian government and established a wide network of contacts with regard to its future projects within the EUSDR as well as to the purpose to strengthen the position of ACB in the support of its members in Bulgaria.

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria

Visit of the H.E. Mr. Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria, at the R&D Centre of Johnson Controls Electronics in Sofia The President of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB), Dr. Till W. Truckenmüller, owner and CEO of IMACOS Truckenmüller & Company, is proud to demonstrate the power of one of ACB’s prominent members, Johnson Controls, a world leading company in the automotive sector. The products and services performed by Johnson Controls are an outstanding example of what is possible to develop and manufacture in Bulgaria. Other members of ACB like Grammer, Würth Elektronik, ixetic, Festo or IMI confirm the excellent market potential and prospects of realization for the automotive business in Bulgaria. The ACB member Industrial Commerce sets benchmarks in car sales of the brands Hyundai and Infiniti in Europe. The University of Sofia in close cooperation with LeschkeDesign shows the prototype of an E-Taxi, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, Brabus and Balkan Star. ACB is a new association, founded in July 2012, but its currently 14 members employ 5,000 people in Bulgaria and approximately 250,000 worldwide. Moreover, ACB is very proud that the government of Bulgaria supports the cluster‘s activities with high priority. ACB would like to express its gratitude to the President of Bulgaria for his visit to Johnson Controls in order to emphasize once again the high interest of the automotive industry for Bulgaria. Main objectives of ACB: Support automotive industry companies with headquarters or subsidiaries in Bulgaria in establishment and further development of production, R&D, sales or service entities Attract car manufacturers, manufacturers of special vehicles and leading international suppliers of automotive components to the Bulgarian market – demonstrate locational advantages of Bulgaria over other Eastern European countries, the Middle East and North Africa Support projects of ABC members on introduction of technical improvements and innovations, optimization of quality, structures and processes to reduce costs and increase competitiveness in international markets Represent interests of ACB members in all matters Stimulate ethical market relationships, i.e. corporate government and compliance to be in line with European directives Develop and support implementation of measures together with government, universities, private training providers and ABC members in matters pertaining to education and training, development of technology centres ACB projects in 2013: International Automotive Conference in Sofia, May 7 and 8, 2013 Confirmed speakers from: Volkswagen, PSA Group, Hyundai, GEFCO, Johnson Controls, Grammer, Würth Elektronik, ixetic, Festo, and many other well named automotives Automotive Test Centre Feasibility studies “Auto Park Bulgaria” and “Pan-European Car Recycling Centre” Best practice evaluations “Human Resources”, “Quality Management” and “Educational Centres for Middle Managers” Main objectives and services of IMACOS Truckenmüller & Company - “Instant Trip to Competence“ International management and consulting company focused on the automotive industry with 20 managers, lawyers and accountants in Germany and with currently 7 professionals in Sofia, all fluent in English and / or German and with many years of work experience. Experts for turnaround management, process optimization and increase of sales performance. Full service provider for companies who want to set-up production, development or sales entities in Eastern Europe, especially in Bulgaria. Contact ACB: Board: Frederic Flory (Grammer), Kajetan Gressler (ixetic), Lyubomir Stanislavov (S Media Team), Dr. Till W. Truckenmüller (IMACOS), Aleksander Raczynski (GEFCO Bulgaria), Roman Vasilev (Johnson Controls Electronics Bulgaria). Cluster Manager: Kristina Vladimirova Address ACB:15, Tsar Asen Street, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Phone:+359 2 90 30 680, Fax:+359 2 98 687 54 Mobile: +359 877 444 523 e-mail: office@automotive.bg Website: www.automotive.bg Address Truckenmüller & Company Bulgaria EOOD:15, Tsar Asen Street, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Phone:+359 2 98 687 50, Fax:+359 2 98 687 54 e-mail: imacos@imacos.com Website: www.imacos.com [print_gllr id=720]

Founding „Automotive Cluster Bulgaria“

The main goal of the association is to support the automotive companies in Bulgaria and to encourage the further setting-up of automobile production in the country.  The „Automotive Cluster Bulgaria“ aspires to a drastic and long-term change of the current situation in the automotive sector in Bulgaria. Automotive manufacturers, producers of special vehicles and leading international suppliers should be won over to the Bulgarian market. The location advantages of Bulgaria should be demonstrated compared to the other Eastern European countries, the Middle East and North Africa. The main goal is to set-up a sustainable automotive manufacturing in Bulgaria. The association will support companies in the automotive sector which operate on the Bulgarian market. The interests of the cluster members will be brought together in order to improve their position on the Bulgarian and international markets. The development of science, technology and innovation in this sector will be promoted. The projects will be organized and implemented more efficiently in order to enhance the competitiveness of the members. On July 10th 2012 the “Automotive Cluster Bulgaria” was founded. Mr. Dеlian Dobrev, Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, highlighted the significance of the objectives and activities of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria during his designation to the founders on July 10th 2012 In Sofia. The founders employ about 5.000 qualified staffs in Bulgaria. It is expected that other leading companies will join the cluster. Dr. Till W. Truckenmüller, Director of the consulting company IMACOS Group and Truckenmüller & Company GmbH: „ The government and the administration have already supported the initiative in the beginning stage. “ Board members: 1. Frederic FloryGrammer AG 2. ixetic GmbH 3. Lyubomir StanislavovS Media Team 4. Jutta SchiffersJohnson Controls Electronics Bulgaria EOOD 5. Till TruckenmüllerIMACOS Group, Truckenmüller & Company Founders of the “Automotive Cluster Bulgaria”: 1. Grammer AD An international company specialized in the development and manufacturing of interior components and seats for cars, trucks, buses and trains. The company is represented worldwide by more than 30 manufacturing and sales locations in 18 countries. This includes the plant in Trudovets, Botevgrad, with a staff of more than 750 employees. 2. Würth Elektronik IBE BG EOOD With its 16 production units located around the world, Würth Elektronik is one of the most successful companies of the Würth Group. Würth Elektronik is specialized in the manufacturing of electromechanical and passive components. The factory in Bulgaria is located in Belozem, near Plovdiv, and has more than 250 employees, steadily growing. 3. Ixetic Plovdiv EOOD Manufacturer of components for vacuum pumps – rotor parts, hydraulic pumps for power steering and vacuum pumps for brake systems. The company is a subsidiary of Ixetic GmbH, Bad Homburg, Germany, which owns two production plants in the Frankfurt am Main and Cologne region, and also owning sales and service points in Japan, the USA, China and India. The plant in Bulgaria is located in ‘Rakovski’ industrial zone near Plovdiv. More than 400 employees are budgeted. 4. Johnson Controls Electronics Bulgaria EOOD The company, which employs 600 staffs in Sofia, is specialized in the field of automotive electronics. The Bulgarian subsidiary of Johnson Controls is one of the nine technology centers of the company in the world, with entities located in Germany, France, the USA, Japan and Slovakia. Globally, the company is one of the leading automotive suppliers with more than 250 enterprises in more than 30 countries. Among its largest customers are BMW, Ford, Renault, GM, Opel, Volkswagen. 5. Industrial Commerce Ltd. Exclusive dealer of Hyundai Motor Company in Bulgaria with a market share of about 7%.  In the high end segment the company deals with the brand Infiniti. 6. S Media Team The leading media group in the automotive field in Bulgaria, publisher of: AUTO BILD Bulgaria (Axel Springer), BBC TopGear Bulgaria, Motor Show and the automotive web agency Speed-Press, as well as of BBC GoodFood Bulgaria, BBC Knowledge Bulgaria, F1 Racing Bulgaria, HELLO Bulgaria, Yachting&Lifestyle, Prime_Time. 7. Leschke Design The company act in the field of automobile design, development of prototypes driven by classic drives and electric drives. The owner of the company, Prof, Harald Leschke, worked many years as a top-manager of the “Advanced Design / Corporate Design” department at Daimler AG. 8. Truckenmüller & Company Bulgaria EOOD A company of the 1998 founded IMACOS Group with headquarter in Stuttgart. The Group focuses on turnaround and interim management in the automotive industry. The company has more than 20 years of experience. At the end of 2010 the company opened an office in Bulgaria – today 5 professionals support the Bulgarian and international clients. Main activities: streamlining administrative and production processes; holistic support to set-up plants, development sites or sales offices (e.g. evaluation of locations, negotiations with the administration or about subsidies, recruiting staff and management, providing the project manager or interim managers); exclusive trade partner for Bulgarian enterprises.