Romania’s automotive industry is growing rapidly. During the communist regime, it was one of the most advanced in Central Europe. However, after 1989, the industry declined as many enterprises went bankrupt after failed privatizations. These included Oltcit, ARO, and Tractorul Braşov. At that time, foreign automakers entered the market and showed interest in establishing their subsidiaries.
What are Romanian automobile brands?
This European country has its own authentic automotive brands: Ford Romania, Roman Braşov, Igero, Automobile Dacia, Astra Bus, Cibro, DAC, El Car, and Grivbuz. Inactive automakers include ARO, Oltcit, Rocar, Automobile Craiova, Malaxa, and AA&WF.
Romania has a developed automotive industry. It has old enterprises formed at the beginning of the last century and young ones formed in the 21st century. Both groups successfully produce in-demand transportation equipment. They include companies that specialize only in passenger cars (Dacia) and companies focused on large-capacity special vehicles. For example, bus production is very popular in the region, with El Car and Astra Bus representing it.
Astra Bus
The company is called Astra Bus. The name directly indicates that it manufactures buses and other large vehicles. The brand appeared in Arad, Romania, in 1996. Until then, it was part of Astra Vagoane Arad, which produced railcars. After separating from the parent company, the new structure changed its specialization and became actively engaged in passenger transportation equipment.
In 2003, Astra became part of the Cefin holding group. Simultaneously with the change in legal status, it revised its assortment, significantly expanding it. Now, it assembles Irisbus buses and trolleybuses (in partnership with the Italian company). It also produces minibusses based on Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Iveco chassis in small numbers.
Cibro
This is a trademark of the Bucharest-based company C&I Eurotrans XXI, which has operated in the Romanian capital since 2002. It produces minicar bodies based on chassis from world manufacturers. In particular, Cibro is a minibus built on the Mercedes-Benz Vario platform. It is presented in several comfort-level modifications. It is produced in four lines with 23 to 30 passenger seats.
In 2010, DAC launched another minibus, the Cibro 2. It is assembled at another Romanian enterprise in the village of Manolache, Ilfov County. The new plant has innovative equipment and is ISO9001 certified.
DAC
This Romanian company, Diesel Auto Camion, produces dump trucks and other trucks. The company is located in Brasov and is part of the specialized company ROMAN, which made it a division with a separate trademark. This brand has produced equipment since the 1970s. In 1990, the company was reclassified as a subsidiary brand.
However, the company’s roots go even deeper, as the automobile plant has existed since 1921, before the Second World War, under the name ROMLOC, after The Red Flag (Steagul Rosu). DAC also uses the same proprietary platform as the Roma trucks across its entire lineup.
Dacia
The automaker’s full name is Automobile Dacia S.A. It is named after the historical area that modern Romania occupies. The company is located in Mioveni, Arges County, where it was founded in 1966. After 33 years (in 1999), the national government sold it to Groupe Renault, turning it into a successful division.
In terms of revenue share, Dacia is Romania’s largest company today and contributes significantly to the country’s economy. It exports cars of the same name to almost all countries and is in great demand. Since 2021, this manufacturer has been part of Renault Dacia-Lada.
El Car
El Car manufactures urban and intercity buses under the Igero brand. It is located in Bucharest, where its Romprim plant is located. The company’s founder, engineer Dorian Igescu, named the brand after his surname. El Car was founded in 2003, when the future owner of a large automobile company assembled the first bus in his garage. For a long time, the company has been cooperating with a specialized company, Roman.
Ford Romania
This automobile manufacturer is located in Craiova and is managed by Ford of Europe. Initially, production was at the former Oltcit plant, then moved to the Daewoo Motors site, which Ford bought from the country’s management in 2008. In September 2009, the company began production of two vehicle models: the Ford Transit Connect and the Ford B-Max.
Grivbuz
The joint-stock company Compania Industrială Griviţa manufactures medium-sized buses called Grivbuz. It is located in Chitila, Ilfov County. The company was founded in 1993 and started producing prototypes in 1997. Now it produces tourist buses under its own brand and with its own engines.
ROMAN
This well-known Romanian manufacturer of transportation equipment is located in Brasov. It was founded in 1921 and carried the name ROMLOC for several decades. In 1948, the company was renamed Red Flag (Steagul Roșu), Brasov Truck Works (Intreprinderea de Autocamioane Brașov), and in 1990, ROMAN SA. The company actively cooperated with other Romanian enterprises and used the DAC trademark. Its range includes large-capacity vehicles such as dump trucks, tractors, and military trucks.
Defunct Manufacturers
This group includes automakers that self-liquidated due to expansion, merger, or, conversely, a split into two independent units. The most prominent examples are AA&WF, Oltcit, Automobile Craiova, and other manufacturers.
ARO
The Romanian manufacturer of off-road vehicles was Auto Romania, abbreviated as ARO. The automobile plant was located in Câmpulung and opened in 1942. However, car production began later, after the plant’s major construction was completed in 1957. The company produced military vehicles and SUVs, supplying them domestically and abroad. In other countries, it sold the cars under different brands. In 2006, the plant was closed due to bankruptcy.
Oltcit
The Romanian car manufacturer was a joint venture created by the country’s leadership and Citroën. It was located in Craiova in the Oltenia region. The company’s main range consisted of two hatchback series: the Citroën Axel and the Oltcit Club. After Citroën’s departure, the company changed its name to Automobile Craiova. After signing a partnership agreement with Daewoo Heavy Industries, it renamed itself Rodae Automobile. Daewoo Automobile Romania later replaced it. In 2008, Ford of Europe took control of the plant and renamed it Ford Romania. The Oltcit joint-stock company ceased to exist in 1991.
Rocar
This company was formed in Bucharest in 1951. It produced many vehicles, including cars, commercial vans, trolleybuses, city and intercity buses, small trucks, and minibusses. Later, the company began producing light SUVs and heavy road vehicles. It ceased operations in 2004.
Automobile Craiova
The former joint-stock company in Craiova has produced passenger cars since 1976. At that time, the company was called Oltcit and was almost equally owned by the Romanian government and Citroën. After the French manufacturer withdrew from the partnership, the plant was renamed Automobile Craiova. The American automobile giant Ford Motor Company later acquired it and established a subsidiary, Ford Romania.
Malaxa
This was the name of the car developed by a group of engineers led by Petre I. Carp. The passenger car appeared in 1945 when there was an urgent need to convert military vehicles into civilian ones. Several aircraft factories in the country produced prototypes. Among them were ASAM Cotroceni and IAR Brașov. The industrialist Nicolae Malaxa financially supported the project, after whom the car was named. It is not known how many models were produced. The brand ceased to exist when Soviet representatives wanted to move the Moscow technology site.
AA&WF
This company was founded in 1921 after Austria-Hungary collapsed. At that time, its two companies located in Romania merged into one. They formed the ASTRA Automobile & Wagon Factory group, which was shortened to AA&WF. Later, the transportation equipment manufacturers separated again and legally established their production sites.
Aurel Persu
The automobile brand was named after the developer of a drop-shaped passenger car with improved aerodynamic drag characteristics. The company, which existed in the early 20th century, built only a few models before declining amid intense competition. Its products featured a metal logo and a rectangular frame with the stylized name of the company’s founder. The inscription on the Aurel Persu emblem was set in bold letters, with smooth curves and a rightward slant.
Lastun
Dacia-owned, this car brand launched in 1988. It existed until 1991 and supplied the Romanian market with three-door hatchbacks for urban driving. The Lastun logo was a circular badge in a double ring with a triangle in the middle. It was a futuristic figure made up of wide, curved stripes, with the name of the city where the company was located surrounding it.
FAQ
What is the most famous Romanian car?
Dacia Logan is the most famous Romanian car. Introduced in 2004, this car quickly gained popularity for its affordability and reliability. Designed with economy in mind, it offers good space and practicality without added complexity, making it ideal for buyers who want a simple, reliable car.
This model has been Romania’s best-selling car for 19 years, underscoring its popularity. This success has prompted the brand to introduce additional models, such as the Dacia Sandero and Dacia Duster, which also prioritize value for money.
What cars are driven in Romania?
In Romania, drivers have access to a variety of car makes and models. Dacia, a local brand known for its affordability and reliability, is particularly popular. In 2023, it sold 39,793 vehicles, making it the leading brand in the Romanian automobile market.
Other international brands such as Volkswagen, Ford, Renault, and Skoda are also popular in Romania. They offer everything from compact cars to SUVs, attracting buyers with advanced technology, comfort, and efficiency.
Suzuki, another respected brand, sold 2,918 vehicles that year. This shows that although Dacia is the top choice, Romanian car buyers have many options, and the market is competitive.
What cars are made in Romania?
Romania is home to several automakers that produce both local and international vehicles. The country’s automotive sector features brands such as Astra, Cibro, DAC, Dacia, El Car, Ford Romania, Grivbuz, and ROMAN, which play a major role in the local and global automotive market and produce a wide range of vehicles.
Dacia is especially famous in Romania for models such as the Logan and Duster. Similarly, Ford Romania is a major player, producing the B-Max and EcoSport models at the Craiova plant.
Romania is developing its automotive industry and producing electronic components for cars. The German company Robert Bosch GmbH plans to establish production of these components in Romania, helping to expand the country’s capabilities in automotive technology.
Is it a Romanian car manufacturer?
Yes, Romania has its own car manufacturers, the best-known being Dacia. This company is officially called Automobile Dacia S.A. and is part of the Renault Group, which includes the Lada brand. Dacia is recognized in Romania and worldwide for its affordable and reliable vehicles. The brand began in 1966 and became known for models such as the Logan, Duster, and Sandero. These cars offer great value for money, establishing Dacia as a major name in Romania’s automotive industry and international markets.
Are cars cheap in Romania?
In Romania, car prices vary widely and cater to different budgets. A popular and affordable option is the Dacia Logan, which costs around 7,700 euros. It’s prized for its economy, reliability, and practicality, making it an ideal choice for an affordable car that still delivers quality. This ensures everyone can find a car that fits their budget, whether they want something inexpensive or more upscale.