Martin Placek
Research expert covering transportation and electronics
Automotive industry in Romania - statistics & facts
During the communist era, Romania was one of the biggest vehicle producers in Central and Eastern Europe. However, after the collapse of communism in 1989, the country’s automotive industry declined. Important automobile manufacturers at that time, such as ARO and Oltcit, were privatized and eventually went bankrupt. Still, the automotive industry remains an important contributor to the Romanian economy to this day, considering its significant impact on the country’s gross domestic product and labor market.
After the challenging years of 2020 and 2021, the Romanian automotive industry recorded the highest revenue of about 30.6 billion euros in 2022.
For several years, Automobile Dacia had the highest revenue in Romania. The manufacturer recorded an annual revenue of 26 billion Romanian lei in 2023. Moreover, its brand value amounted to over one billion euros. The Dacia Sandero was the second most sold passenger car in Europe in the last three years, since its value for money resonates with buyers as the cost of living crisis continues to hit across Europe.
Electric and hybrid vehicles
Car buyers in Romania are slowly embracing electric and hybrid vehicles. In 2018, the number of new electric car and plug-in hybrid registrations in the country was approximately 600. Since then, registrations of these vehicles have been doubling every year, reaching more than 11,600 registrations in 2022. The infrastructure for charging electric vehicles has developed rapidly, reaching over 1.3 thousand charging stations in 2022. In 2023, the most common electric car brand in the country was Dacia, which launched its first fully electric car in 2021.Dacia
Automobile Dacia, founded in 1966 under the name Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești (UAP), is Romania's most famous car manufacturers. The company introduced one of its first car models in 1969 - the Dacia 1300. The design was a big success, exhibited in Paris and Bucharest showrooms. However, in 1999, the Romanian government sold Dacia to Groupe Renault. Thus, it became a brand of the famous Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Consequently, it is no surprise that France is the most important international market for the Romanian manufacturer.For several years, Automobile Dacia had the highest revenue in Romania. The manufacturer recorded an annual revenue of 26 billion Romanian lei in 2023. Moreover, its brand value amounted to over one billion euros. The Dacia Sandero was the second most sold passenger car in Europe in the last three years, since its value for money resonates with buyers as the cost of living crisis continues to hit across Europe.
