A total of 9,518 new Ford vehicles were registered in Romania in 2016, 25% more than in 2015, according to data from the Directorate for Driving Licenses and Vehicle Registration (DRPCIV) compiled by the company.

Thus, the American car maker ranked second among the best selling car brands in Romania, with a market share of 8.04%, according to its own calculations.

“We’re very happy with this result, which is a record for us in the last five years in Romania. It was an intense year for Ford, with more launches and new programs for our customers,” said Attila Szabo, General Manager of the National Sales Company Ford Romania.

Most of the 9.518 Ford vehicles registered last year were passenger cars (6,763) while the rest were commercial vehicles (2,755). About 70% of the sales were company fleets, which included both commercial vehicles and passenger cars, while about 30% were generated by individuals, who have mainly bought passenger cars, according to a statement from the company. The top three best-selling Ford models were Focus – 2,630 units sold, Fiesta – 1,888, and the Transit van – 1,698.

Ford's passenger car sales went up by 18.9% in 2016, reaching some 6,800 units, according to DRPCIV official data. On this segment, the American producer ranked fifth after Dacia (27,600 units), Skoda (8,677), Volkswagen (8,339), and Renault (6,910).

When it comes to commercial vehicles, Ford recorded a 42% increase in the volume of registrations compared to 2015, becoming the market leader for light and medium commercial vehicles (LCVs and MCVs).

Via its national network of dealers, the American brand is present in 37 locations across the country, including four FordStores opened in 2015 and 2016.

2017 is an important year for Ford in Romania, as it will launch the new Fiesta model, and will start the production of the new EcoSport model at the plant in Craiova.

The American group has invested more than EUR 1 billion in Romania since taking over the factory in Craiova in 2008, mainly to support its production operations in the country. It currently produces the B-MAX model and the 1L Ecoboost engine in Craiova.

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Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com