Download 
An automotive energy storage development center might be established in Zalaegerszeg (western Hungary), at ZalaZone, the city’s state-of-the-art automotive test track. The China-U.S. Green Fund, Zhongzhi Zhitong Testing Technology Co., Ltd., and Autóipari Próbapálya Zala Kft. will play a key role in the creation of the center, which will serve the American, Asian, and European markets, Világgazdaság reported.
Based on the parties’ letter of intent, a joint investment will be made to build an ecosystem focused on alternative energies around ZalaZone. This will include joint development and validation activities by Far Eastern and European vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, as well as further energy applications.
According to the announcement, the participants in the cooperation will strive to ensure that the results of research and development are utilized in industrial production as quickly as possible.
The center is planned to not only accelerate technological innovation in the vehicle and energy industries, but also bring new jobs, supplier opportunities, and international investment to Hungary.
Based on previous information, the development of ZalaZone has reached a stage where, in addition to research objectives, market-oriented operations are becoming increasingly important, and further development requires cooperation with universities, research institutes, state developers, and private companies through energy, automotive, agricultural, and defense research.
The track for testing electric and autonomous vehicles was built on 265 hectares based on a decision made by the government in 2016, and its latest track element was handed over in May. Szeged (southeastern Hungary), is playing an increasingly important role in the domestic automotive industry, with Chinese company BYD building Europe’s first electric car factory in the city. This investment is Hungary’s largest industrial development, expected to create thousands of new jobs in the region.
The investment announced now may also be important in that several factories have closed in the country in recent weeks, but new developments are also coming.
Via Világgazdaság; Featured photo: Pexels
Download 
