In an era of unprecedented transformation, where technological advancements, regulatory developments and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the automotive landscape, the Automotive Forum & Awards 2026 brings together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of mobility.
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.
The Diplomat-Bucharest and Automotive Today will host the annual Automotive Forum & Awards for Excellence on November 10, 2026, at Nord Events Center, Globalworth, Summit Hall.
THE EVENT IS SUPPORTED BY:
STRATEGIC PARTNER
ACAROM – Association of Automotive Manufacturers of Romania
PLATINUM PARTNER
NXP Semiconductors Romania
GOLD PARTNERS
Magna, Rombat, Infineon Technologies, ICI Bucharest, Verdum, BMF Grup, PwC Romania, Bio-Circle, Klarwin, Forvis Mazars, AUMOVIO, Dacia, Piaxo, Ford, NTT DATA
PARTNERS
Monsson Trading, Schaeffler, Trigo
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
AHK Romania, CCIFER – French Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Romania, Cluj IT Cluster, ANIS Romania, ROFMA, Lovering & Partners
MEDIA PARTNERS
Outsourcing Today, Sustainability Today, Financial Intelligence, Romania Durabila, Economistul, Club Economic, Ziarul Bursa
Register for the event:
Automotive Forum & Awards Gala – powered by Automotive Today & The Diplomat-Bucharest
THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY FORUM 2026
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.
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.
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.
THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA 2026
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.
The awards reflect the industry’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.
By celebrating outstanding results and pioneering initiatives, the gala aims to highlight the people and organisations shaping the future of the automotive industry.
EVENT AGENDA
13:00 – 20:00 | EXPO AREA
13:00 – 13:45 | Registration & Networking Coffee
13:45 – 14:00 | Official Opening
14:00 – 14:15 | Presentation by Daniel Anghel
Country Managing Partner, PwC Romania
14:15 – 15:45 | SESSION I – POLICIES, REGULATIONS, STRATEGY & INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS
Theme: How industry leaders navigate current challenges and define strategic directions for automotive manufacturing in Romania and Europe.
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.
Moderator:
Adrian Sandu, General Secretary and Member of the Board, ACAROM
PANELISTS
- Mihai Bordeanu – Managing Director Dacia SEE | Country Head Romania
- Fırat Elhüseyni – President and Site Director, Ford Otosan Craiova
- Alin Ioaneș – CEO, Rombat SA
- Dragoș Grigore – General Manager, Magna Exteriors Craiova
- Paweł Wieczorek – Vice President, Exact x Forestall Group
- Ion Petic – CEO, Piaxo
15:45 – 16:00 | Coffee Break
16:00 – 16:15 | Presentation by Cosmin Perde, Deputy CEO, VERDUM
16:15 – 17:30 | SESSION II – TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRIFICATION & SMART MOBILITY
Theme: Technology as the driving force behind automotive transformation – from semiconductors and artificial intelligence to connected mobility and smart manufacturing.
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.
Moderator:
Adrian Sandu, General Secretary and Member of the Board, ACAROM
PANELISTS
- Liviu Bălan – Head of Country, AUMOVIO Romania
- Simona Almajan – Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors
- Günter Krasser – Vice President & Managing Director, Infineon Technologies Romania
- Alexandru Blemovici – Head of Schaeffler Romania & Southeast Europe
- Adrian Dobre – Founder & CEO, Klarwin
- Victor Vevera – General Director, ICI Bucharest
- Gabriel Tomescu – CEO, BMF Grup
17:30 – 17:45 | Presentation by Daniel Mereuță
Founder & CEO, BIO-CIRCLE ROMÂNIA
17:45 – 18:30 | Networking Cocktail & Gala Dinner
18:30 – 20:00 | THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA
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.
The awards highlight the industry’s commitment to innovation, development and excellence, recognising those who make a difference through creative thinking, adaptability, strategic vision and pioneering initiatives.
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’s most successful projects, achievements and business results.
JURY BOARD
- Bogdan Barbu – Tax Partner, Deloitte Romania, Leader of the Automotive Industry
- Daniel Anghel – Country Managing Partner, PwC Romania, FIC Vice-President
- Cristina Bojică – Vice-President, CCIFER; Partner, Gruia Dufaut & Asociații
- Sebastian Metz – General Manager and Board Member, AHK Romania
- Colin C. Lovering – Founder, Lovering & Partners
- Andrei Mihai Crăciun – Head of Digital Transformation and Data Analysis Department, West University of Timișoara
- Alin Negrescu – Tax Partner, Head of Automotive & Industrial Markets, KPMG Romania
- Alexandru Mitroi – Senior Adviser, Invest Romania
- Vasile Andrian – Head of Audit & Financial Advisory, Forvis Mazars
Register for the event:
Automotive Forum & Awards Gala – powered by Automotive Today & The Diplomat-Bucharest