The local car production dropped by 8.2% in the first seven months of the year due to the lack of new car models. The exports decreased by 8.4% during the same period.

These were the most abrupt drops in the local automotive sector in the last ten years, reports local Ziarul Financiar.

The new Logan and Sandero facelift models will be launched only this fall. Also, Ford’s local plant in Craiova will start producing the new Ford Ecosport only in the fall of 2017.

About 29,900 cars were manufactured last month in Romania, down 16.6% compared to June. The drop was contrary to last years’ trend, when car production used to accelerate in July. It thus covered for the lower activity recorded throughout August.

Compared to July 2015, the decline is 24%. About 40,000 cars were produced in Mioveni and Craiova in July last year.

The total production in the first seven months of this year reached over 231,200. Dacia produced over 205,400 cars whereas Ford manufactured over 25,700 vehicles.

editor@romania-insider.com