Automotive Today reveals the winners of the Automotive Industry Awards for Excellence Gala 2024

What a special evening we had at the Automotive Industry Awards for Excellence Gala organized by Automotive Today and The Diplomat and now in its 7th edition! The event celebrated excellence in the automotive industry and the impressive achievements of the winners at Nord Events Center, Globalworth, Summit Hall.

These things would not have been possible without the support of our great partners, to whom we would like to say a big thank you: 

Strategic Partner ACAROM,

Platinum Partner NXP Semiconductors Romania, 

Gold Partners Infineon Technologies Romania & CO. SCS, KUKA, Bosch, PwC, LEONI, FEV, DS Smith, Deloitte, ICI Bucharest, Ford Otosan, Dacia,

Partners MET, Rombat, Magna, Continental, Schaeffler, Eberspacher, ELBA, BMF, Campulung Industrial Park,

Supporting Institutions Concordia, AHK Romania, BRCC, CCIFER, Cluj IT, Lovering & Partners, 

Media Partners Outsourcing Today, Sustainability Today, Financial Intelligence, Economistul, Romania Durabila, Club Economic, Ziarul Bursa.

Romania’s automotive champions were decided by the esteemed jury committee, comprised of top professionals from various business sectors: 

Daniel Anghel, Country Managing Partner, PwC Romania, FIC President,

Bogdan Barbu, Tax Partner, Deloitte Romania, Leader of the Automotive Industry

Adriana Record, Executive Director, CCIFER

Sebastian Metz, General Manager, AHK Romania

Colin C. Lovering, Chairman of the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce

Andrei Mihai Craciun, Advisor to the Minister of Education

A special thank you to our jury members for supporting this great event organized by Automotive Today and The Diplomat-Bucharest!

And now it’s time to reveal the list of winners at the Automotive Industry Awards for Excellence Gala 2024:

INNOVATION AWARD

Last night we awarded a company that develops chips of high technological quality for the automotive industry in Romania.

A team of engineers developed in Bucharest a security controller used for connected cars, demonstrating the potential and importance of Romania as a hub for innovation in the automotive field.

This security solution provides a secure foundation for the development of connected vehicles, allowing automakers to build the next generation of cars without compromising security.

The company receiving this award is an automotive industry game-changer, driving innovation through its next-generation semiconductor solutions. The award went to Infineon Technologies Romania.

Finalists:

Bosch Group in Romania

Continental Romania

Infineon Technologies Romania

LEONI Romania

Magna Exteriors Craiova

NXP Semiconductors Romania

Schaeffler Romania

GREEN MOBILITY AWARD

This award was given to a company whose electrification solutions accelerate the transition to zero emissions. The company develops, among other things, high-performance microprocessors for battery management, electric propulsion systems, but also for electric vehicle charging equipment.

In Romania, the company focuses on research and development, with teams specialized in the design of integrated circuits, software and engineering solutions for industries such as automotive, industrial, Internet of Things (IoT), and communications. The company develops advanced technologies, including for security systems and connectivity solutions, and collaborates with various educational and research centers to support innovation and talent development in the field of technology.

The award went to NXP Semiconductors Romania.

Finalists:

Lektri.co

Bosch Group in Romania

NXP Semiconductors Romania

Continental

Draxlmaier

Eldrive Romania

Ford Otosan Romania

TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

We awarded in this category a global leader in the field of technology, a company specialized in offering innovative solutions for different industries and sectors of activity.

With the motto “Making life better”, this company constantly aims to develop new technologies that respond to the challenges faced by modern societies.

Among the focus areas are hydrogen as a central pillar for the energy transition, battery technology for electric cars, artificial intelligence solutions or those for the cars of the future.

Electrification solutions are also a priority on the company’s agenda, which occupies a leading position in the electric motor market. Electromobility is on track to become a mainstream business, with sales expected to reach €6 billion in 2026.

The award went to the Bosch Group in Romania.

Finalists:

Bosch Group in Romania

Huf Group

Leoni Romania

Infineon Technologies Romania

P3 Digital Services Romania

Schaeffler Romania

COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

In this category, we awarded a partnership between a technological company and a top Romanian university. For over 20 years, the company has developed numerous partnerships with educational institutions in Romania to ensure a modern work environment after completing their studies for young people who want to develop the technologies of the future. One of the most significant projects is the partnership initiated at the end of 2023 in the latest program introduced in Romania: dual higher education. Moreover, the company is actively involved in the pilot program launched at the Robotics specialization by the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, which enrolled 31 students in its inaugural year. The innovative project is a collaborative effort of the Regional Consortium for Dual Education West Timișoara. Approximately 1,000 students participate in internships at the company’s offices in Romania and in other activities organized by the company such as practice programs, competitions, visits and presentations. Moreover, student interns are joined by those who are supported by the company through study and research grants or who follow courses supported by the company’s specialists at the 20 partner universities.

Tonight’s prize was offered for the partnership between Continental Romania and the Polytechnic University of Timișoara.

Finalists:

Bosch Engineering & Iasi City Hall

Continental & DeepDrive

Continental & Romanian Universities

Eldrive & Prime Batteries & Allspark

Eldrive Romania & Moon Power

EDUCATION COMMITMENT AWARD

This award went to a company that has been promoting dual higher education through strategic partnerships for over 25 years.

The company runs programs in collaboration with 6 high schools from the dual professional school system and 20 universities from cities such as Timisoara, Arad, Oradea, Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, Iasi and Bucharest.

This strategic direction that the company has prioritized over the years means involvement in the community and a contribution to its evolution. Through programs that encourage pupils and students to acquire advanced skills and competencies in the mobility of the future, the company shapes tomorrow’s workforce and has an impact on society. Approximately 200 company specialists dedicate their time, year after year, to teaching courses or seminars at universities – starting this year also in the dual system.

The prize in this category went to Continental Romania.

Finalists:

Bosch Group in Romania

Continental Romania

LeoniRomania

Schaeffler Romania

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY AWARD

Last night we awarded the company that will start this year the production of the first electric vehicles in Romania, as part of the 490-million-euro investment announced in 2022, when the company took over the factory in Craiova.

The plant is one of the most modern and automated car production units in Europe, and the first electric vehicles produced in the heart of Oltenia will be delivered in the spring of 2025.

The company recently inaugurated a battery assembly line intended to support future production of electric vehicles.

The prize was offered to Ford Otosan Romania.

Finalists:

Leoni Romania

Adient

Bosch Romania

Continental Romania

Dacia

Ford Otosan

INVESTMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

The prize of this category was offered for the largest investment completed this year in the automotive industry in Romania. It is the world’s first tire factory with zero carbon emissions, a project that started two and a half years ago. Its value is 650 million euros.

This plant is the most technologically advanced in the group’s portfolio.

About 500 employees will work in the factory in Oradea, and the annual production capacity will be 6 million tires.

The award was given to Nokian Tires.

Finalists:

Infineon Technologies Romania

LEONI Romania

Bosch Romania

Continental Romania

Nokian Tyres Romania

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

In this category, we awarded a company for which sustainability is of paramount importance. The company is actively committed to meeting sustainability standards taking into account specific customer requirements. Priorities include employee well-being, environmental issues and respect for human rights throughout the value chain.

The company uses 100% renewable energy and has implemented a series of projects aimed at ensuring the energy efficiency of the factories, but also reducing the consumption of raw materials in current operations.

For example, a project financed by PNRR aims to improve energy efficiency by replacing production equipment. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact by 41.58% annually (representing 221.15 tons of CO2/year).

The prize was offered to the company LEONI Romania.

Finalists:

Bosch Group in Romania

FEV Romania

Fuerda Smartech

LEONI Romania

Continental Romania

Rombat

Schaeffler Romania

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD

The award of this category was given to a company that is actively involved in social responsibility projects on several levels: education, health, environment, culture.

Involvement in CSR projects is a way in which the company contributes to the growth of the community of which it is a part, at the level of all locations where it operates in the country

Among the most important programs is Timișoara European Cultural Capital 2023, which included all three headquarters in the capital of Banat in many of the activities included in the events agenda, such as: Smart Diaspora, the JAZZx Festival, TechTalks, the Brâncusi exhibition, the Flight Festival and others. The company supported the TM2023 cultural program through direct sponsorship, active promotion, as well as employee involvement in the various attractive activities in the city.

In total, in 2023, the company initiated and supported more than 50 campaigns and as many associations and foundations.

The award went to Continental Romania.

Finalists:

LEONI Romania

Continental Romania

Continental Romania

Schaeffler Romania

Star Assembly & Star Transmission

TIER 1 SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD

We awarded this category to a company that has established itself as a leader in the automotive industry, consistently providing high-quality products and services, optimizing costs and promoting sustainability.

This manufacturer of wiring systems and electronic components for the automotive industry has invested almost 340 million euros in Romania. Every day, its factories deliver more than 16,000 wiring systems for the automotive industry

The company delivers its products to five continents, with major European markets including Sweden, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia and Romania.

The award went to Leoni Romania.

Finalists:

LEONI Romania

P3 Digital Services Romania

Bosch Group in Romania

Continental Romania

TIER 2 SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD

The award in this category was given to a company that owns innovative research and development centers with a focus on automotive software and edge processing. With more than 600 permanent employees, more than 70 automotive R&D projects and more than 800 software releases annually, the company has proven that outstanding service, flawless execution, value-added innovation and care for people are what customers value, succeeding thus expanding the activity and complexity of delivered projects.

In May 2024, the company officially opened its second research and development center in Sibiu.

The award went to NXP Semiconductors Romania.

Finalists:

NXP Semiconductors Romania

Leoni Romania

Infineon Technologies Romania

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

In this category, the award was given to a top employer, with a 30-year presence on the local market, with over 10,500 employees, being the second most desired employer in the automotive industry.

The company’s operations include research and development centers in Cluj, Bucharest and Sibiu, production units in Cluj and Blaj, as well as service centers in Timișoara.

The L&D team includes 20 professionals who facilitate over 40 learning programs and over 70 resources such as Udemy and Coursera. 250 certified trainers lead these efforts internally, ensuring diverse learning paths for all.

In 2017, the company opened a state-of-the-art training center at the Cluj Factory. This facility serves both dual school students and company associates, offering a range of specialized training and development programs.

This award went to the Bosch Group in Romania.

Finalists:

Bosch Group in Romania

Leoni Romania

Magna Exteriors Craiova

NXP Semiconductors Romania

Rombat SA

Continental Romania

CEO OF THE YEAR

The award of this category was given to a CEO who has distinguished himself as an exemplary leader, influencing not only the company he leads, but also the automotive sector in Romania as a whole.

The lady we are talking about has successfully assembled a team of professionals from various fields, turning the company into a center of operational excellence. Under her leadership, over 10% of the Group’s global workforce is now located in Romania, highlighting the strategic importance she has given to operations in our country.

Financial performance under her leadership has been impressive. The company’s turnover increased significantly, reaching 3.6 billion lei in 2023, marking an increase of 12.14% compared to 2022 and 37% compared to 2021.

The CEO of the Year award was given to Mrs. Andrada Verdes, General Manager Leoni Romania.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

The company of the year is a car manufacturer highly appreciated both locally and by international customers. The company’s transformation over the past decades is a success story for both the automotive industry and the national economy.

The company authoritatively dominates the sales of new cars in Romania and gains ground every year on foreign markets, through models adapted to the needs and requirements of customers, relying on the concept of best value for money.

The manufacturer from Mioveni launched a new generation for Dacia Duster last year, and this year it entered a new market segment with the Bigster model.

This award was given to Dacia.

Finalists:

Bosch Group in Romania

Ford Otosan

Infineon Technologies Romania

Leoni Romania

Dacia

Schaeffler Romania

SAFETY EXCELLENCE

In this category, we awarded a project that increases the safety of cars in traffic. Safety is a crucial aspect in car development, even more so in autonomous cars. This sophisticated software solution helps vehicles detect ambulance sirens in a noisy environment so that the vehicle can move safely and make way for emergency services.

The system allows a self-driving car to “hear” emergency vehicle sirens and also the direction they are coming from. This software can also be used for cars equipped with noise cancellation systems to alert the driver to the presence of emergency vehicle sirens that cannot be heard inside the vehicle.

The award went to the project developed by Infineon Technologies Romania.

Finalists:

Infineon Technologies Romania – AI-based siren recognition based on automotive certified MEMS microphones

Huf Group

Nokian Tyres Romania

SUPPLY CHAIN ​​EXCELLENCE

For the winner of this award, supply chain management is not just an operational activity, but an integral part of its commitment to excellence and sustainability in all aspects of the business.

Supply chain management is an essential component of effective and sustainable operations strategy.

The company carefully and carefully manages every aspect of the supply chain to ensure safe, high quality and environmentally friendly production. Through an integrated and collaborative approach, the company works with supply partners to ensure that the required raw materials and components are provided in a timely manner and in accordance with high quality standards.

The company implements advanced supply chain management technologies and systems to monitor and optimize material and information flows in real time.

The award went to the company Rombat.

Finalists:

Leoni Romania

Rombat SA

Gestamp Beycelik Romania

Huf Group

P3 Digital Services Romania

MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AWARD (special award by The Diplomat-Bucharest)

For this award we recognized the vision and leadership of a CEO in the automotive industry. In the context of the challenges of the global automotive industry and customer expectations increasingly oriented towards sustainability and innovation, this CEO demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt the company’s strategy, consolidating the brand as the leader of the Romanian automotive market and a notable competitor at the European level.

Under his leadership, the company continued to deliver models that were affordable, innovative and tailored to the needs of the general public. Two important launches are the new generation Dacia Duster and the new SUV Dacia Bigster.

With outstanding experience in the automotive industry, he has been able to create value for customers and shareholders by implementing solutions that have optimized production while maintaining quality standards.

We offered this award to Mr. Mihai Bordeanu, Managing Director Dacia Brand South Eastern Europe and Country Head Romania.

EXCELLENCE IN DIGITAL EDUCATION (special award by The Diplomat-Bucharest)

The award-winning company in this category sets a new standard in training excellence by integrating virtual reality (VR) technology and dedicated Virtual Creator software. This advanced approach revolutionizes the way company employees acquire critical manufacturing skills, allowing them to learn and practice in a completely risk-free environment. With 3D simulations created, employees tackle realistic scenarios covering machine operation, set-up processes and part measurement, all aimed at increasing their competence and confidence.

The VR training program includes more than 26 unique courses, allowing more than 600 employees to benefit from immersive and hands-on learning experiences. This immediate learning feedback and personalized skill paths prepare them more effectively for real-world production challenges, leading to a notable reduction in training time and increased skill level acquisition. In addition, VR training significantly improves workplace safety standards.

The award was given to SCHAEFFLER ROMANIA for the implementation of virtual reality (VR) technology and dedicated Virtual Creator software.

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE (special award by The Diplomat-Bucharest)

We offered this award to a company that focuses through multiple projects on creating a continuous learning environment and a sustainable culture by implementing a series of ambitious and effective human resources programs. Through one of these programs, such as the Leadership Academy, the company has designed an accelerated development program with several modules and groups, adapted to different levels of management.

In these programs, classroom modules, mini-sessions, and 1-1 coaching sessions for skill clarification and practice—where participants practice their skills from the “driver’s seat”—find ideas about what self- motivation, how to deal with failure or success, the importance of delegation and dealing with resilience and persistence. Small team work sessions are really successful because in this way, employees realize in a clear and applied way what are the expectations of customers and how to react in an unforeseen situation. It is important that employees are put in the leadership role, as this not only brings personal fulfillment and involvement, but is part of the success equation.

The award was given to the company MAGNA EXTERIORS CRAIOVA for the professional development projects of the employees.

---