Over a billion euros-worth of exports, 140 firms producing everything from prototypes to components, engines, spare parts, two- and four-wheel vehicles. Prestigious Made in Italy brand-names with worldwide reputations built on a genuine passion for engines and a winning mix of accumulated know-how, technological innovation and creativity. Bologna lies at the heart of what is known as Motor Valley, and is home to almost 35% of all motor-industry businesses in Emilia-Romagna, and 5% nationwide.
Within a radius of about 14 miles, 140 businesses provide approximately 8,000 jobs. Small- to medium-sized businesses specialising in the production of spare parts for cars and motorcycles are the backbone of a sector whose strength is know-how geared to innovation. Bologna is famous the world over for its concentration of companies that are capable of delivering the most sophisticated of motorcycle components: there are approximately 80 companies in the motorcycle sector in the territory of Bologna for a total of 2,800 employees.
It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the international car show, the Motor Show, attracts more than 1 million visitors from Italy and the world. The secret of its success? Generations of tradition in motor engineering involving businesses, suppliers and sub-suppliers, R&D investment promoted and financed by businesses and the public sector with the participation of university research institutes, and, obviously, an enormous passion for engines.
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