In the first week of May, BME x JLR TechDays took place once again – one of the flagship events of the strategic collaboration between Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The highlight of the two-day professional program was the much-anticipated keynote by David Nesbitt, Global Director of Digital Product Platform at JLR Product Engineering. His talk, titled Software Defined Vehicle and Future Technologies, became a memorable experience both for its forward-looking content and for the active engagement of the audience.

The Vehicle as a Software-Enabled Ecosystem

In an interview ahead of his keynote, David Nesbitt shared his insights on the future of vehicle software. According to him, the term “software-defined vehicle” can be misleading – a more accurate term would be “software-enabled vehicle.” The aim is not for software to dictate what a car can do, but to empower rapid introduction of new services and experiences.

In Nesbitt’s vision, the car becomes a key element of a personalized mobility ecosystem: it could assist passengers in organizing flights, planning airport departures, managing parking, or seamlessly using another branded vehicle in a foreign country, personalized to the user’s preferences. Premium experience, in this context, extends beyond driving – it encompasses the entire mobility journey.

“I’m really proud to work for Jaguar Land Rover – proud of our products, but even more so of the people I work with,” says David Nesbitt, who collaborates with 14 international engineering hubs, including the one in Budapest. “Every team I work with is excellent. It’s a great opportunity for me to be here at the university today, meet new people, and explore future projects we could realize together.”

Speaking about JLR’s product strategy, Nesbitt laid out a clear direction: “Our premium customers are not just looking for features – they want simplicity, comfort, and a seamless experience. For instance, we’ve deliberately reduced the number of physical controls in the Range Rover. There are still some buttons, partly due to regulatory reasons and partly because certain functions are simply more intuitive that way. But our goal is to avoid overwhelming the driver with sensory input or tasks. We want to create an interior that is calm, refined – a space from which drivers emerge truly relaxed.”

Nesbitt emphasized how this contrasts with other industry players: “Some competitors throw too much data and too many options at users – that’s not what we believe in, and it doesn’t align with our brand.”

At the same time, the premium experience goes far beyond the vehicle itself: “This is now about an entire ecosystem. I imagine a customer sitting at home in the evening with a glass of wine, thinking about the next day’s tasks – some of which will involve the car. These can be planned in advance, even remotely – or the car itself might anticipate the user’s needs and adjust its settings accordingly. That’s where we’re headed. We already have many capabilities – but there’s still a long way to go.”

The Platform That Gives Engineers Freedom

One of the central messages of the presentation was that software does not define the experience – rather, it creates the framework that enables the desired experience. JLR’s comprehensive digital platform allows for a complete rethinking of the customer journey, while preserving the brand’s signature refined and elegant driving environment. Minimal use of physical controls, avoidance of visual or sensory overload – all reflect the philosophy that a car is simultaneously a tool, a space, and an experience, with the customer always at the center.

Collaboration with BME: Engineers, Research, and a Shared Future

The collaboration between JLR and BME has developed significantly in recent years, culminating in a formal strategic partnership agreement last year. During the TechDays, a professional discussion was held to explore future joint opportunities.

“At Jaguar Land Rover, we see collaboration with universities as completely self-evident – it’s just common sense,” says David Nesbitt, who visited BME for the first time. “This is my first chance to personally learn about the capabilities of some faculties here, and I can already see that they are closely aligned with our technological strategy. That’s exciting in itself.”

Nesbitt says there are no illusions at Jaguar Land Rover: “We’re not too proud to admit that we need others’ expertise in development. Collaboration brings immense value – we can always learn something from our partners, especially in the technical domain.”

The relationship with BME is already strong: more than 200 developers are working for JLR in Budapest, many of them with ties to the university – in fact, the local team leader is a BME graduate. “This is already a solid foundation – but it’s just the beginning. We can take even bigger steps together.”

There are numerous areas for joint development: “Connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud-based platforms, electric architectures, computing performance, artificial intelligence, graphics, autonomous driving – these are all key areas. I’ve seen some truly impressive technology here that we could integrate into our products to enhance the customer experience.”

Nesbitt adds that JLR also collaborates with other universities globally, as it operates multiple sites around the world. “What would be truly exciting is not just building bilateral relationships, but creating a global academic network in which BME plays a key role. That would be a huge opportunity for everyone involved.”

Why Should BME Students Choose Jaguar Land Rover?

“Why? Easy – we’re the coolest automotive company in the world – why wouldn’t they choose JLR?” David Nesbitt laughs, then quickly adds that he’s only half-joking. “But seriously, Jaguar Land Rover is a truly special place to work.”

“We’ve built a very open and supportive corporate culture. People really matter to us – we listen, we value their input, and we give them the opportunity to make a real impact through their work. Those who work with us are not just executors – they’re contributors and creators.”

He believes this people-centered mindset is one of the main attractions for young talent. The other major factor? The product itself: “Our vehicles are simply fantastic. Personally, I’m extremely proud to be part of the JLR team – and I’d be surprised if my colleagues didn’t feel the same. We love what we do, and that’s something you can feel everywhere we operate around the globe. I, for one, have the best job in the world – and I mean that quite seriously.”

Outstanding interest and active audience engagement
David Nesbitt’s keynote was memorable not only for its content, but also for its atmosphere. Held in one of the lecture halls of Building Q, the event concluded with a long line of attendees eager to ask questions—making it nearly impossible for the speaker to leave the room. This enthusiastic response highlights the genuine and growing interest within BME in the digital transformation of the automotive industry and the strategic implications of software-driven technologies.

Moments of a growing partnership
BME × JLR TechDays served as a professional forum, a platform for inspiring talks, and a new milestone in our strategic partnership. Looking ahead, we anticipate even more joint projects, student and researcher collaborations, and industry engagement—all aimed at strengthening the connection between Hungarian engineering education and the cutting edge of the European automotive industry.

Andrea Marchetta, a PhD student at the University of Naples Federico II, spent several months in Budapest conducting research at the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME. Before his return to Italy, we spoke with him about his professional and personal experiences during his time here. It turned out that the sense of community far outweighed the challenges of the Hungarian language, and the educational experience left a lasting impression.

How did you end up at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics?
The story starts with a fortunate connection: the University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), where I’m doing my PhD, already had ties with BME. My supervisor, Professor Bifulco, has known Professor Szalay for some time, and through that connection I got to know about BME. When I looked into it further, I realized that the Department of Automotive Technologies is very advanced – it felt like a natural choice for me. Although I come from a computer science background, I’ve always been interested in the automotive industry.

How well did this new environment suit you, professionally and personally?
Surprisingly well. The Department provided everything I needed to grow as an engineer and as a PhD student. I joined the Safety and Security Research Group led by Professor Török, and we worked on V2X communication – it was a perfect match for my skills and interests.
On a personal level, the experience was just as rewarding. Everyone was incredibly open and friendly. Every single time I entered a room, people would immediately switch to English so I could be part of the conversation – that meant a lot to me.

Did you have any expectations or concerns before coming to Budapest?
I didn’t know much about Hungary – I arrived with a blank slate. Coming from southern Italy, I’m part of a more Mediterranean world, and I was curious how I’d be received in a different culture. But I quickly realized that the shared work, the joint projects, and the openness toward one another made everything else irrelevant.

How was it settling into everyday life? Anything that surprised you?
Mostly the daily rhythm. In the south, we eat lunch and dinner later, and we’re used to more daylight, even in winter. Here, I had to adjust to that. The food culture also surprised me – for example, soup isn’t really a starter for us, while here, nearly every lunch or dinner begins with it. And well, after growing up with Italian cuisine, it’s hard to accept other flavors – but goulash and pálinka were truly special experiences.

Did you get a chance to explore outside the city as well?
Yes, I visited a castle north of the Danube – I’ve unfortunately forgotten the name – and my colleagues also took me to Lake Balaton. It wasn’t the ideal season for a trip, but I was really happy to get a glimpse of the Budapest area.

Did you have the chance to connect with people outside the department?
To be honest, that wasn’t my main goal. I was more focused on discovering the city from the outside – I did a lot of walking, visited the main landmarks. I mostly spent my free time with the research group: beers, chats – that was more than enough for me.

What advice would you give to others considering international studies at BME?
I would recommend it one hundred percent! The city is easy to live in, getting around is simple, the university is welcoming, and the education is high-quality – especially for those wanting to grow in the automotive field. But I’m sure that students in other faculties would have similarly great experiences. I had a wonderful time here, and I’m happy to recommend it to others.

Is there any final thought you’d like to share with readers of the department website?
I can only encourage everyone: just like I did, have the courage to step into a new environment, meet a different culture, and don’t be afraid of being an outsider – because if you come with an open mind, the community will welcome you. I’m going home with a backpack full of knowledge, experiences, and friendships.

Andrea’s story is a great example of how much a period abroad can offer – not only professionally, but personally as well. And for the Department of Automotive Technologies at BME, it’s always a pleasure to shape the future together with visiting students, building bridges between knowledge and cultures.

“True value lies not in what we possess, but in what we are able to give to others.”

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt grief that we have learned of the sudden and tragic passing of Gábor Molnár, Managing Director of MouldTech Systems Ltd., at the age of 53.

Since February 2019, our Department has worked closely with Gábor and the team at MouldTech Systems in the field of manufacturing technologies, particularly in 3D metal printing and related research and development projects. Our professional collaboration went far beyond the framework of a business partnership: we shared common goals and values. Gábor was a passionate advocate for cooperation between academia and industry and truly believed in the mutual reinforcement of scientific achievement and practical experience in shaping the future.

Thanks to Gábor’s personal support, our Department was able to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies such as hybrid additive manufacturing. Through our partnership with MouldTech, not only did we come to understand these technologies, but we were also able to integrate them into our curriculum — allowing our students to learn based on real-life applications. Numerous thesis projects emerged from this collaboration, and Gábor consistently encouraged his colleagues to mentor our students as consultants.

Gábor Molnár was not only an exceptional professional partner, but above all a truly good person — an entrepreneur in the noblest sense of the word, who passionately believed that the purpose of business is not merely to generate profit, but to create value. Much of what his company produced was reinvested in supporting innovative Hungarian research and laying the foundations for future technologies. His vision, dedication, and humanity were a constant source of inspiration for us.

His name is associated with remarkable initiatives such as the development of an authentic replica of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 184 race car in collaboration with our Department, the introduction of drone technology in agricultural and defense applications, and the establishment of precision meteorological systems in Hungary. Throughout his work, he consistently looked to the future, with the goal of strengthening the international competitiveness of Hungarian industry.

Gábor Molnár’s absence is an irreplaceable loss to us as well — as a person, as a thoughtful partner, and as a visionary. We say farewell to him with heavy hearts, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and to the entire MouldTech Systems community.

We will honor and cherish his memory.
Department of Automotive Technologies
Budapest University of Technology and Economics

At the March 26 educational event hosted by the Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), researchers and lecturers welcomed high school teachers to showcase how science and practice intersect. The event was organized by BME’s Autonomous Systems National Laboratory. The teachers were given an insight into the world of self-driving vehicles and artificial intelligence through the lectures of Zsolt Szalay PhD, Head of the Department of Automotive Technologies, Tamás Bécsi PhD, Head of the Department of Transport and Vehicle Control, and Szilárd Aradi PhD, Associate Professor of the Department. At the end of the program, we spoke with participants about what impressed them, what ideas they would bring back to their schools, and how they could inspire students with cutting-edge technologies. The event provided not just knowledge but also experience—and the teachers’ words made it clear: the future of education has already begun.

 

“I saw two self-driving cars here—I had no idea!”

Vanessa Malmos, a high school teacher, on her biggest surprise:
“I thought self-driving cars were only a theoretical concept in Hungary. Then I found out that the university is testing two such vehicles for research! If I see potential in a student, I now know where to guide them: to Győr or, even better, here to BME. But it wasn’t just the cars that were fascinating—the technical details stuck with me. For example, how sensors communicate with each other at an intersection. I’ll use these examples in my lessons tomorrow to show that physics isn’t abstract—it’s right there on the street.”

Norbert Pollmann, who uses artificial intelligence in his daily work, added:
“It was fascinating to see how broad AI applications are and how we—and our machines—use them in everyday life. Self-driving technology and AI cover such a wide spectrum that every student can find something that interests them. I only had one request at the end: Make the next conference a full-day event! I could have listened to the experts for hours. Many of our students clearly belong here—this is where they could truly thrive. I want every kid to realize that knowledge isn’t hidden in books but right here in the real world.”

 

Ambassadors of Physics: “It’s Not Enough to Show a Ball Rolling Down a Slope”

Beáta Baracsi Kónyáné, a math and physics teacher, on the importance of practical examples:
“The lecture on self-driving cars was perfect for demonstrating that math and physics aren’t abstract theories. If we connect lessons to reality—like how a Tesla uses motion equations—students start understanding why they’re learning this. Now I know where technology stands, and I can pass that on. The trick is to present math not as numbers but as a tool that creates everyday wonders.”

Another physics teacher added:
“Today’s kids are interested in Teslas, money, and cars. The trick is not to scare them away with formulas but to show them that math and physics make these wonders possible. For example, when I explain how a self-driving car calculates braking distance, students suddenly understand why they learned motion equations.”

“LIDAR Scanners? I’d Never Heard of That!” – New Technologies, New Opportunities

Márta Szabó, a robotics club leader and math/digital culture teacher, was enthusiastic:
“This was the first time I heard the details of LIDAR technology. It’s incredible how precise this device is at collecting data! I’ll share this knowledge with my students tomorrow. But it wasn’t just the tech that mattered. Listening to BME’s experts made it clear: robotics isn’t just programming—it’s vehicle dynamics and mechanics too. That’s what I want to show my students.”

Ottó Motesiczki, a high school teacher from Esztergom, on the practical approach:
“Students love technology, but university life can seem distant. Here, we saw labs, researchers, and real projects up close. Events like Researchers’ Night and this one make this world accessible. Now I won’t just list degree programs—I can show my students photos of prototypes developed at BME.”

“A Teacher Knowing More Is Never a Bad Thing” – Motivation for Everyday Teaching

Renáta László, a math teacher from Transylvania spending a sabbatical in Budapest:
“I came from Szilágy and am on unpaid leave for a year in Budapest. I’m interested in anything that can motivate students—especially the extra opportunities here compared to rural areas or Transylvania. That’s my most important benchmark. High schoolers get a peek into university life before deciding their future. That’s priceless. When I return to Transylvania, my lessons will be richer with the experiences from BME.”

Anikó Sauer, a math teacher, admitted with a laugh:
“I’m just a regular math teacher—but here, I learned how to connect equations with AI. I’ve already invited the lecturers to a career day! The students will love it. Now it’s much easier to show them that math isn’t abstract—it’s part of everyday life.”

“Don’t Just Teach Theory—Show the Practice!”

Csaba Dani, a physics teacher from Budapest, dreams of the future:
“Many of my students want to be vehicle engineers. Now I know why: here, I saw technology in motion. I’ll definitely recommend quiz competitions and TDK (Student Research Conference)—these connections fuel students’ ambitions. But the most important takeaway was tangible examples, like the software researchers showed us that simulates traffic in real time.”

Andrea Palágyi, a high school teacher, summarized:
“I’m open to new technologies and try to pass them on to my students. Today’s program helped me better understand the background of self-driving tech. It’s crucial for kids to experience such programs firsthand—my own daughter chose mechanical engineering after an open day.”

“We Felt a Gap—But Now We Return Inspired”

The closing words came from Márta Sóberné Kozma, a high school teacher:
“I felt like this ship had sailed without us—but today, I saw we still have a chance to connect with the future. When I go back, I’ll definitely highlight these opportunities for my students: international collaborations, industry partnerships, and the fact that knowledge isn’t just theory but practice. If we can show this, we can bring technology closer to them. I’m already thinking about how much I can bring to my school—but first, I need to organize this knowledge. Tomorrow, I’ll definitely teach differently.”

Final Thoughts: “This Was More Than Just Knowledge Transfer”

BME’s event was ultimately about bridging the gap between curriculum and the real world. The participating teachers unanimously emphasized that such hands-on experiences are essential to making science come alive for students.

“Thank you for showing us that teaching isn’t a theoretical monologue but a dialogue with the future,” said one participant. The feedback made it clear: for them, this day wasn’t just professional development—it was renewed inspiration. As one teacher put it: “Today, I learned that even the most abstract formulas become tangible when tied to real-world problems.”

And so, the story closes with a simple truth: “The greatest secret of good education is always taking one step closer to bringing students into the world—and today, we took that step together.”

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The event was supported by the Hungarian Government and the European Union in the framework of the National Laboratory for Autonomous Systems (RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00002).