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PM Orbán: Audi is a matter of the heart for us

The new generation of Audi Q3 models has officially entered mass production at the Audi Hungaria plant in Győr, in the presence of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

At today’s inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Orbán emphasized that the Audi plant is not simply an economic matter, but a national priority. “Audi is a matter of the heart for us,” he stated, underlining the brand’s three-decade presence in Hungary and its vital role in the country’s economic success.

Prime Minister Orbán recalled that Audi was the first Western European car manufacturer to invest in Hungary after the fall of communism, making a decisive bet on the country’s future. That early investment, he noted, was rooted in trust and a shared vision for success. “Audi was the first to say: We are coming, we believe in you, we see the future in Hungary, and we will make it happen together,” he said. This, he added, created a unique bond between Hungary and the German automotive giant — one that has since grown into a strategic partnership.

The third-generation Q3, now rolling off the line in Győr, combines efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort. It includes mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the latter offering up to 120 kilometers of electric range. Production fully utilizes the plant's annual capacity of 185,000 units, including both the Q3 and the Cupra Terramar. The Győr facility remains a central supplier of powertrains within Audi and the Volkswagen Group.

Audi Hungária’s importance to the national economy is significant. In 2024, it generated €8.6 billion in revenue, producing over 179,000 vehicles and 1.58 million powertrains. The company accounts for approximately 7 percent of Hungary’s total exports.

Addressing the workforce, Prime Minister Orbán stressed that the plant’s success relies not only on capital and infrastructure, but on the skills and dedication of Hungarian engineers and workers. “Hungary is proud of those working in Győr,” he affirmed, reiterating the government’s ongoing support for the automotive sector.

The prime minister also warned of challenges ahead. With global competition intensifying and the automotive industry undergoing major transformation, he noted that Europe’s carmakers are sailing “through stormy waters.” He cited geopolitical tensions, soaring energy costs, and regulatory pressure from Brussels as serious obstacles, and urged EU leaders to abandon overregulation and return freedom to industry and consumers alike.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Orbán framed the new Audi Q3 not only as a technological milestone but also as a symbol of confidence in Hungary’s future. “This new model gives all of us, and certainly Hungary, renewed confidence—and hopefully, a sense of pride,” he said.