2023: A Year of Developments for Magyar Suzuki

Despite logistical challenges, rising energy and raw material prices, and a changing economic environment, the automotive manufacturer, with more than 30 years of experience, emphasized safe and stable operations this year.

One of the most crucial aspects was the appreciation of the employees, as Magyar Suzuki consistently makes it clear that its employees represent the utmost value. In 2023, nearly 3,500 employees were provided with long-term job opportunities, with more than 1,400 strengthening the company for at least 15 years. Together with its nationwide supplier network, Magyar Suzuki contributes to the livelihoods of approximately 10,000 individuals and families daily.

At the end of last year, after consultation with the Works Council, the company announced it would increase the average wages of its employees by 20%. Additionally, based on performance, the firm granted a bonus equivalent to 1.5 months’ salary this year. However, the Esztergom-based company signaled other ways it intends to remain a caring company while maintaining its economic stability: thanks to various organizational development activities, it was awarded the Family Friendly Workplace certificate in the spring. This recognition is presented to workplaces that support and assist their employees in fulfilling their roles within their families.

Beyond Salaries

Magyar Suzuki places significant emphasis on benefits beyond salaries. One of the most outstanding is the annual General Health Check screening program. Launched in 2016, the program was previously available to colleagues who were 40 years or older and had been working at Magyar Suzuki for at least five years. This year, the company initiated the Suzuki Healthcare program, expanding the circle of eligible individuals. Thus, all employees with at least one year of tenure at Suzuki could participate in the comprehensive screening program. Additionally, the firm opened the Suzuki Health Center, where colleagues receive private healthcare services completely free of charge. Fifteen outpatient specialties and numerous diagnostic tests are available to any colleagues found to have any issues during the annual GHC screening.

The company aims to increase both its staff numbers and facilitate individual workstations as much as possible. By the second half of the year, it had achieved the goal of expanding the workforce and is already concentrating on the upcoming year. In March, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Komárom-Esztergom County accepted Magyar Suzuki among the accredited partner organizations for dual vocational training. Moreover, from September onwards, education began at the new Suzuki Training Center. Students studying electronic technology at János Bottyán Technical School can develop their practical skills alongside theoretical foundations in this state-of-the-art educational center. This is where future professionals are trained, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to discover prospective employees.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing company has continued to devote considerable attention this year to assisting its immediate environment. One of the most significant efforts was when it inaugurated the Suzuki Arena in February as the naming sponsor. It aims to become a leading cultural, entertainment, and sports center in the region.

Unwavering Popularity

Suzuki models remain among the most popular, with good reason, as evidenced by ongoing market recognition. At the “Hungarian Car of the Year” awards, the Esztergom-manufactured S-Cross received both the professional and the audience awards. Incidentally, the 500,000th unit of this model was completed at the end of September and has since found an owner in France.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of December 15, 2023.