On this occasion, the winners were Jordi Hereu, current Minister of Industry and Tourism, and Antonio Garamendi, president of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE). Both leaders have been recognized for their significant contribution to strengthening the Spanish industrial and business fabric, as well as for their firm commitment to boosting the competitiveness and visibility of automotive suppliers, a sector considered key to the Spanish economy and society.
During the welcoming ceremony, Benito Tesier, president of the SERNAUTO Spare Parts Commission and the Organizing Committee of MotortechTesier highlighted the fundamental role of the automotive components industry as an economic and social engine. “This sector generates over €41.000 billion in revenue and more than 330.000 direct and indirect jobs. Furthermore, it stands out for its investment in R&D&I, which is three times the industry average. These achievements are the result of our suppliers' commitment to excellence and constant adaptation. Along this path, organizations like the one we are honoring today have been crucial in making us an international benchmark,” Tesier stated.
The president of SERNAUTO presented the first recognition to Antonio Garamendi, highlighting his defense of the competitiveness of Spanish companies and his vision of entrepreneurs as the driving force behind the country's economic and social development. After receiving the tribute, Garamendi expressed his gratitude for the recognition and championed the values of freedom, democracy, and dialogue as pillars that inspire automotive companies to provide excellent service to the economy and society.
Subsequently, Jose Portilla, CEO of SERNAUTO, presented the second tribute to Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism. His fundamental role in promoting industrial development and transforming the Spanish production model was highlighted, as well as his commitment to reindustrialization, the ecological and digital transition, and the strengthening of strategic sectors such as the automotive industry.
Portilla also mentioned the presence at the event of the Secretary of State for Industry, Rebecca Torro, and the constructive relationship maintained with the Ministry, highlighting its "constructive approach and active listening to the needs of the sector, promoting public policies that favor innovation, sustainability and competitiveness of our companies."
In his acceptance speech, Minister Hereu emphasized that “this recognition is an incentive to continue working together. Public policy is an act of service, and we are here to support the efforts of business owners and entrepreneurs, who are the ones taking risks and contributing knowledge and innovation. Our role is to support this public-private partnership model and join forces to succeed in this major transition, in which the Spanish automotive industry has always been and will continue to be a leader.”
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