Tiriac is negotiating with Ford for import of the American brand

15 sep 2009 Autor: Bogdan Alecu

Businessman Ion Tiriac, who owns Romcar, the Ford representative on the Romanian market, says there is the possibility of a joint venture with Ford for the import of the American brand, after August 1st 2010, when the manufacturer will also start selling cars directly on the Romanian market. The stake is a business that last year generated a 304 million-euro turnover and a 15.5 million-euro profit, being the most profitable company out of the four importers controlled by Tiriac Holdings. "The Tiriac Group has 7-8 brands in its portfolio for which it still holds import operations. Mercedes-Benz is the exception, with a joint venture being created. This possibility exists for Ford, as well. But it is their decision to make, because they are the owners of the brand. However, Romcar is focused on the Ford niche, and it will stay this way. We covered the other segments with other companies from Tiriac Holding," said Ion Tiriac. In the case of Mercedes-Benz, a brand whose import operations were held by Ion Tiriac via AutoRom before January 1st 2007, the German group opened a national sales company in 2008, where it holds 51%, while Tiriac holds 49% in the wake of a joint venture agreement. Currently, Ford's import is handled by Romcar, but after August 1st 2010, imports will be done directly by the American company, which has two options: to create a company, which it would control 100% or to extend the partnership with Tiriac, by setting up a joint venture. Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president of Ford, did not wish to comment on the subject, but said they had a good relationship with Tiriac. "We will not comment on whether there will be a joint venture with Ion Tiriac for a national sales company or not. There are negotiations underway at present," said Ford Europe's sales vice-president.