Light brake on assembly lines: Romanian automotive industry records a setback in the first quarter of 2026

The Romanian automotive sector, one of the central pillars of the national economy, started 2026 with the "handbrake" slightly pulled. According to the latest data published by the Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACAROM), March confirmed a downward trend that was felt throughout the entire first quarter.

Although the plants in Mioveni and Craiova are working at high capacity, the figures indicate a cooling of the market or, possibly, a recalibration of production lines for the new electric and hybrid models that dominate the European agenda.

March under the minus sign: A decrease of 4.5%

March 2026 brought a total volume of 48,175 units leaving the gates of Romanian factories. Compared to March 2025, when production exceeded the threshold of 50,400 cars, we are witnessing a contraction of 4.5%.

The distribution by plant shows an extremely tight competition between the two giants:

    Dacia (Mioveni): 24,264 units
    Ford Otosan (Craiova): 23,911 units

The difference of only a few hundred cars between the two industrial platforms emphasizes the strategic importance that the Craiova plant has acquired under the Ford Otosan umbrella, becoming an equal competitor for the veteran from Mioveni.

First Quarter Analysis: A Difficult Start to the Year

Looking at the overall picture for the first three months of 2026, the situation becomes even clearer. Total production amounted to 128,419 units, marking a 5.4% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Manufacturer	Units Produced (Q1 2026)	Share of Total
Dacia	64,679	50.4%
Ford Otosan	63,740	49.6%
TOTAL	128,419	100%

 An almost perfect parity is observed between the two manufacturers, which indicates a maturation of volumes in Craiova, especially due to the success of the Puma models and the new Transit Courier commercial variants.

Why is production declining? Context and Perspectives

Although the numbers are “in the red”, industry experts suggest that we are not dealing with a demand crisis, but rather a period of transition. There are a few key factors that could explain this decline:

1. Retooling for electrification: Both plants are undergoing processes to adapt lines for fully electric versions (Ford) or advanced hybridizations (Dacia). These technological changes often require temporary shutdowns or slowdowns in the assembly flow.
2. New model launches: 2026 is a crucial year for the renewal of some ranges. The transition to new generations of models (as is the case with the new Duster or Bigster iterations) involves a learning curve and a progressive acceleration of production (ramp-up).
3. European context: Romania exports most of its automotive production. A slight stagnation in consumption in large Western markets (Germany, France) is immediately reflected in the orders received by local plants.

What's next?

It remains to be seen whether the second quarter will be able to catch up. Analysts are optimistic, betting that the second half of the year will bring an increase in cadence as new models enter the mass production phase.

Even with this decline, the automotive industry remains the main driver of Romanian exports, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. A 5% decline is an alarm signal that urges caution, but it is not, at least for the moment, a reason for panic for the national economy.