Romania becomes the seventh largest auto producer in the EU

In 2025, Romania proudly ascended to the rank of the seventh largest auto producer in the European Union, producing 545,000 vehicles. This marks a significant achievement for the country, which has solidified its place in the elite ranks of the European auto industry.

Romania's advancement is even more notable as it surpassed Hungary in 2021, showcasing its growing capabilities in vehicle manufacturing. In comparison, Italy assembled 474,000 vehicles, while Romania's production figures reflect a commitment to enhancing its automotive sector.

Despite this progress, the Romanian auto industry faced challenges, including a 2.6% decline in production last year. The downturn was less severe than Italy's, which saw a nearly 20% drop, yet it highlights the need for continued adaptation and innovation.

Dacia, one of the two auto manufacturers in Romania, contributed significantly with 297,000 vehicles produced last year. However, the company did experience a decline of nearly 6% compared to 2024. Ford Otosan followed closely with 248,000 vehicles, showing a marginal decrease of under 1%.

In the first five months of this year, national production reached 203,000 cars, which was over 11% lower than the same period last year. Dacia faced a more considerable setback with a 17.7% drop, while Ford Otosan recorded a decline of 4.6%.

Looking ahead, Dacia plans to produce SUVs like the Duster and Bigster, but it has also indicated that its production capacity is under pressure from rising energy costs, inflation, and increased labor expenses. The factory's growth prospects appear limited, raising concerns about the competitiveness of the local auto industry.

On the other hand, Ford Otosan manufactures models such as the Puma and Transit Courier and has some room for moderate production growth. However, even at maximum capacity, both factories in Romania could only add a few tens of thousands of vehicles annually.

While Romania continues to make strides in the automotive sector, it faces stiff competition from neighboring countries investing heavily in their own industries. Hungary, for instance, has attracted significant investments from major brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which further enhances their automotive landscape.

As the European auto industry as a whole experiences stagnation, with manufacturers closing facilities and cutting costs, Romania’s journey reflects both the potential and the hurdles that lie ahead. The focus now shifts to sustaining growth and enhancing competitiveness in a challenging environment.