The Romanian car manufacturing industry is experiencing a visible contraction in the first half of 2026. According to the latest official data published by the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACAROM), national production decreased by 16% in June compared to the same period last year, consolidating a downward trend compared to the entire first semester.
In the first month of summer, the country's specialized plants assembled a total of 44,536 vehicles. The volume was divided almost equally between the two major local manufacturers. The Dacia plant in Mioveni maintained its leading position, with 23,218 units rolling off the assembly lines, while the Ford plant in Craiova completed 21,318 vehicles.
This negative dynamics since the beginning of summer confirms the rhythm problems also reflected in the balance sheet for the first six months. In the period January-June 2026, Romania produced a total of 247,972 cars, which means a decrease of 12.7% compared to the first semester of 2025.
Of the total number of cars manufactured in the first half of this year, Dacia delivered 129,404 units, remaining the main pillar of domestic production. At the same time, the Craiova-based manufacturer contributed to the total volume with 118,568 vehicles.
Successive volume declines in the first part of the year are putting pressure on the annual objectives of the Romanian automotive sector, a key industry that generates a significant share of the country's gross domestic product and exports.