Entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Schmidt has been awarded a prize for his contribution to the auto industry and his role in developing Romania’s Transylvania region.
The Honorary President of the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers Călin Popescu Tăriceanu awarded Mr. Schmidt the prize on Oct. 17 at the association’s 30th anniversary gala.
“He brought BMW to Romania and created the most successful international business ever made by a Romanian in many countries,” one of the presenters said.
”I am happy we are giving this award to Michael Schmidt, ‘Mr. BMW from Romania,” the former prime minister said. “I want you to know I’m a BMW fan. It was the first foreign car I bought after 1990, unfortunately a second-hand one, and I’ve remained loyal to the brand.”
The remark caused some amusement as Mr. Tariceanu brought French brand Citroen to Romania shortly after the 1989 revolution, and his name has remained associated with the brand, even long after he gave up the business.
But the award went beyond Romania’s thriving automotive industry. Mr.Schmidt is equally associated with the Haferland festival (now in its 13th year) which showcases Saxon traditions and invites Romanians and foreigners to become part of the Saxon world.
“Few people know that Michael Schmidt, as a representative of Romania’s Saxon community and minority is involved in numerous projects connected to the preservation of the identity and traditions and culture of the Saxons,” Mr. Tariceanu said.
“His contribution is very precious, especially as this not very large community of Saxons has made an essential contribution and had a civilizing influence on the development of Transylvanian region. Thank you Michael also for this activity. You deserve our heartfelt praise.”
“I’m not used to such praise,” Mr. Schmidt told the audience. “I’m not a man of words, I’m a man of action. This prize is an honor for me.”
He said he started his business in 1994 with three employees and we sold 11 BMWs. Now I head a group which has expanded to 1,400 employees in different countries and I am continuing to expand the business,” to countries such as Nigeria and Kazakhstan.
The APIA 30th Anniversary Gala on October 17, celebrated three decades of innovation in the automotive field together with guests from Romania and our brothers from OICA – the International Organization of Automobile Manufacturers.
The Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers was set up in 1994 to promote and support the sustainable development of the automotive industry in Romania. Since 1996, APIA has been a member of the International Organization of Automobile Manufacturers – OICA, the World Organization of Automobile Manufacturers. In 1997 and 2011, APIA had the honor of hosting the OICA General Assembly in Bucharest.
The association has managed to keep up to date with the dynamics of the automotive industry by becoming the “Mobility” organization for the Romanian industry in 2022. APIA also plays an important role in providing market data and analysis, educating consumers, and promoting sustainable practices in the industry, its website says.
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