{"id":17659,"date":"2026-11-06T09:58:58","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T07:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/?p=17659"},"modified":"2026-11-06T09:58:59","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T07:58:59","slug":"automotive-forum-awards-2026-driving-innovation-competitiveness-and-the-future-of-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/2026\/11\/06\/automotive-forum-awards-2026-driving-innovation-competitiveness-and-the-future-of-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"Automotive Forum &#038; Awards 2026: Driving innovation, competitiveness and the future of mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In an era of unprecedented transformation, where technological advancements, regulatory developments and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the automotive landscape, the <strong>Automotive Forum &amp; Awards 2026<\/strong> brings together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serving as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and recognition, the event will celebrate the outstanding achievements of companies, projects and executives driving excellence and innovation across the automotive industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Diplomat-Bucharest and Automotive Today will host the annual Automotive Forum &amp; Awards for Excellence on November 10, 2026, at Nord Events Center, Globalworth, Summit Hall.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE EVENT IS SUPPORTED BY:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STRATEGIC PARTNER<\/strong><br>ACAROM \u2013 Association of Automotive Manufacturers of Romania<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PLATINUM PARTNER<\/strong><br>NXP Semiconductors Romania<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GOLD PARTNERS<\/strong><br>Magna, Rombat, Infineon Technologies, ICI Bucharest, Verdum, BMF Grup, PwC Romania, Bio-Circle, Klarwin, Forvis Mazars, AUMOVIO, Dacia, Piaxo, Ford, NTT DATA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PARTNERS<\/strong><br>Monsson Trading, Schaeffler, Trigo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SUPPORTING PARTNERS<\/strong><br>AHK Romania, CCIFER \u2013 French Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Romania, Cluj IT Cluster, ANIS Romania, ROFMA, Lovering &amp; Partners<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MEDIA PARTNERS<\/strong><br>Outsourcing Today, Sustainability Today, Financial Intelligence, Romania Durabila, Economistul, Club Economic, Ziarul Bursa<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register for the event:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/automotive-forum.thediplomat.ro\/\">Automotive Forum &amp; Awards Gala \u2013 powered by Automotive Today &amp; The Diplomat-Bucharest<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY FORUM 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the growing adoption of electric vehicles and the development of autonomous driving technologies to the integration of artificial intelligence and smart connectivity, the forum will explore the key trends redefining the automotive industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discussions will focus on the intersection of innovation, sustainability and digital transformation, highlighting how technological progress and industrial expertise are shaping the next generation of mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More than a gathering of industry professionals, the forum represents a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, sharing expertise and addressing the challenges facing the automotive sector. Industry leaders, decision-makers and technology experts will come together to discuss emerging opportunities, present innovative solutions and explore strategies for sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Automotive Industry Awards for Excellence Gala will recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of professionals and organisations from large and medium-sized companies across several key categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The awards reflect the industry&#8217;s commitment to development, innovation and operational excellence, recognising the companies, projects and individuals who are driving progress through creativity, adaptability, strategic planning and forward-thinking leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By celebrating outstanding results and pioneering initiatives, the gala aims to highlight the people and organisations shaping the future of the automotive industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EVENT AGENDA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13:00 \u2013 20:00 | EXPO AREA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13:00 \u2013 13:45 | Registration &amp; Networking Coffee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13:45 \u2013 14:00 | Official Opening<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14:00 \u2013 14:15 | Presentation by Daniel Anghel<\/strong><br>Country Managing Partner, PwC Romania<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14:15 \u2013 15:45 | SESSION I \u2013 POLICIES, REGULATIONS, STRATEGY &amp; INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Theme: How industry leaders navigate current challenges and define strategic directions for automotive manufacturing in Romania and Europe.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Romanian automotive industry remains a strategic pillar of the national economy. Its resilience and competitiveness depend on regulatory stability, strong partnerships and the ability to adapt realistically to evolving European requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Moderator:<\/strong><br>Adrian Sandu, General Secretary and Member of the Board, ACAROM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PANELISTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Mihai Bordeanu \u2013 Managing Director Dacia SEE | Country Head Romania<\/li><li>F\u0131rat Elh\u00fcseyni \u2013 President and Site Director, Ford Otosan Craiova<\/li><li>Alin Ioane\u0219 \u2013 CEO, Rombat SA<\/li><li>Drago\u0219 Grigore \u2013 General Manager, Magna Exteriors Craiova<\/li><li>Pawe\u0142 Wieczorek \u2013 Vice President, Exact x Forestall Group<\/li><li>Ion Petic \u2013 CEO, Piaxo<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>15:45 \u2013 16:00 | Coffee Break<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16:00 \u2013 16:15 | Presentation by Cosmin Perde, Deputy CEO, VERDUM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16:15 \u2013 17:30 | SESSION II \u2013 TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRIFICATION &amp; SMART MOBILITY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Theme: Technology as the driving force behind automotive transformation \u2013 from semiconductors and artificial intelligence to connected mobility and smart manufacturing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The future of the automotive industry is digital, electric and connected. Romania has the potential to strengthen its position as a regional innovation hub, provided that industry, technology and education work together through strategic collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Moderator:<\/strong><br>Adrian Sandu, General Secretary and Member of the Board, ACAROM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PANELISTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Liviu B\u0103lan \u2013 Head of Country, AUMOVIO Romania<\/li><li>Simona Almajan \u2013 Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors<\/li><li>G\u00fcnter Krasser \u2013 Vice President &amp; Managing Director, Infineon Technologies Romania<\/li><li>Alexandru Blemovici \u2013 Head of Schaeffler Romania &amp; Southeast Europe<\/li><li>Adrian Dobre \u2013 Founder &amp; CEO, Klarwin<\/li><li>Victor Vevera \u2013 General Director, ICI Bucharest<\/li><li>Gabriel Tomescu \u2013 CEO, BMF Grup<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17:30 \u2013 17:45 | Presentation by Daniel Mereu\u021b\u0103<\/strong><br>Founder &amp; CEO, BIO-CIRCLE ROM\u00c2NIA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17:45 \u2013 18:30 | Networking Cocktail &amp; Gala Dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18:30 \u2013 20:00 | THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Automotive Industry Awards for Excellence Gala 2026 will celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise the professionals and organisations setting new benchmarks across the automotive sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The awards highlight the industry&#8217;s commitment to innovation, development and excellence, recognising those who make a difference through creative thinking, adaptability, strategic vision and pioneering initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The gala will also provide an opportunity for industry leaders and professionals to connect, exchange perspectives and discuss the most relevant developments shaping the automotive landscape, while celebrating the year&#8217;s most successful projects, achievements and business results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>JURY BOARD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Bogdan Barbu<\/strong> \u2013 Tax Partner, Deloitte Romania, Leader of the Automotive Industry<\/li><li><strong>Daniel Anghel<\/strong> \u2013 Country Managing Partner, PwC Romania, FIC Vice-President<\/li><li><strong>Cristina Bojic\u0103<\/strong> \u2013 Vice-President, CCIFER; Partner, Gruia Dufaut &amp; Asocia\u021bii<\/li><li><strong>Sebastian Metz<\/strong> \u2013 General Manager and Board Member, AHK Romania<\/li><li><strong>Colin C. Lovering<\/strong> \u2013 Founder, Lovering &amp; Partners<\/li><li><strong>Andrei Mihai Cr\u0103ciun<\/strong> \u2013 Head of Digital Transformation and Data Analysis Department, West University of Timi\u0219oara<\/li><li><strong>Alin Negrescu<\/strong> \u2013 Tax Partner, Head of Automotive &amp; Industrial Markets, KPMG Romania<\/li><li><strong>Alexandru Mitroi<\/strong> \u2013 Senior Adviser, Invest Romania<\/li><li><strong>Vasile Andrian<\/strong> \u2013 Head of Audit &amp; Financial Advisory, Forvis Mazars<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register for the event:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/automotive-forum.thediplomat.ro\/\">Automotive Forum &amp; Awards Gala \u2013 powered by Automotive Today &amp; The Diplomat-Bucharest<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an era of unprecedented transformation, where technological advancements, regulatory developments and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the automotive landscape, the Automotive Forum &amp; Awards 2026 brings together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":17661,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[54,1133,56],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17659"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17659"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17659\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17662,"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17659\/revisions\/17662"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17659"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17659"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automotive-today.ro\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17659"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}