Romanian Automotive Industry in 2025: Brake on Production, Slight Recession of 2.2% in the First Nine Months

Romanian car production registered a slight decline in the first nine months of 2025, a sign of a slowdown after solid performances in previous years. According to data published by the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACAROM), the total volume of passenger cars manufactured in the Dacia (Mioveni) and Ford Otosan (Craiova) plants amounted to 399,199 units, marking a decrease of -2.2% compared to the same period in 2024, when 408,176 units were produced.

Although the decrease is moderate and maintains Romania in a top position among car manufacturers in Central and Eastern Europe, it reflects a series of pressures and adjustments at European and global levels.

Analysis by Plant: Dacia, the most affected

The differences in production evolution are visible between the two major centers:

• Dacia Mioveni: It produced 214,521 units, registering a sharper decrease compared to the previous year (228,641 units in Q3 2024). This decline could be attributed to the adaptation of production to external demand and new model cycles, although Dacia remains the national leader, covering approximately 53.8% of total production.
• Ford Otosan Craiova: It maintained a more constant pace, reaching 184,678 units. The Craiova plant consolidated its position, reducing the gap with Dacia, due to the increased demand for its models (such as the Puma crossover) and the orientation towards light commercial vehicles and electrified versions.

Market Context: Inflation and Reconfiguration

The 2.2% decline is not an isolated phenomenon, but is in line with the slowdown trend felt in the European automotive market. The main factors influencing this evolution are:

1. Economic Conditions: Persistent inflation and the high cost of credit have affected demand in export markets, which absorb over 90% of Romanian automotive production.
2. Adaptation to Electrification: The partial reorientation of production towards hybrid and electric models requires logistical and technical adjustments that, in the short term, may slow down the overall pace.
3. Supply Issues: Although the semiconductor crisis is no longer as severe as in previous years, the reconfiguration of supply chains continues to pose challenges.

Full Year 2025 Trend: Stabilizing at a High Level

Based on nine months of data and the development in the latter part of the year, the full year 2025 trend is expected to be one of stabilization at a level slightly below the record of 2024, while maintaining high volume, probably around 520,000-530,000 units.

While the decline at the beginning of the year might have suggested a broader decline (e.g., production at five months was down 6.15%), good performances in the summer months and September managed to mitigate the decline. Production has shown resilience, and stabilizing factors include:

• Model Launches: The entry into line with production of new models or versions (including electrified ones) is expected to support volume in Q4.
• Foreign Orders: The steady demand from Western European markets for Romanian-made models continues to drive the industry.

In conclusion, the Romanian automotive industry faces a year of adjustment and consolidation in 2025. The 2.2% decline is not a major cause for concern, but rather evidence that the global vehicle market is in a complex transition period. Romania maintains its status as a key player in European automotive production, with prospects of returning to growth once the market stabilizes and production capacities are fully aligned with electrification requirements.