Automobile Dacia's significant output and the arrival of Ford in Craiova is set to turn Romania into the largest carmaker in central and eastern Europe, Romanian prime minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu stated after he witnessed the launch of the new Dacia Sandero at the Geneva Auto Show. "After Ford's arrival, Romania will become the leading car producer in central and eastern Europe. (...) Ford is set to be Romania's second car manufacturing hub," stated Tariceanu.
As for the new model, the Romanian premier said the car was "nice": "It has a modern and original design. I've been paying close attention, and I'm happy to see the project that was launched ten years ago (i.e. Renault takeover of Dacia) is taking shape, as is the Romanian car industry. Dacia has boosted its production volume to 350,000 cars a year, which will help Romania strengthen its position as the main carmaker in Central and Eastern Europe," said Tariceanu.
Renault also launched the new Dacia logo on Tuesday.
According to Automobile Dacia representatives, Logan Sandero, the fifth model developed on the Logan platform, will cost less than 9,500 euros for a full-options model.
"The maximum price will not exceed 9,500 euros for the top version of the Logan Sandero. I believe it will soon account for a very large part of Dacia sales and gradually win over some Logan sedan customers. There is also the possibility of cannibalisation emerging between models," stated Constantin Stroe, Dacia's deputy chairman.
The new model will be available in Romania in June, in parallel with its launch on the Bulgarian and Turkish markets, and by yearend the model will be introduced onto the remaining European markets where Dacia is present.
"We don't know what the total production for the current year will amount to, but by September daily production of Sandero will reach at least 500-600 units," stated Fran'ois Fourmont, Dacia chairman.
The first Logan Sandero was manufactured in Romania last October, after Dacia raised production capacities to 350,000 units.
Overall investments in Sandero production in Europe have reached approximately 147 million euros.
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