Compared to 2017, there was progress for Romania’s automotive industry in 2018 after an increase in turnover of 20%. According to ACAROM, the local automotive producers’ association, revenue across the industry reached EUR 28 million.

While the Romanian industry has already enjoyed growth recently, this jump was the largest in seven years and is second only to the 25% boost in 2011 (mostly propelled by the Renault Dacia Duster SUV launch).

Why the growth? According to experts, Ford had an important role as the EcoSport SUV production tripled in Craiova. As a result of this, and many other changes, there was a 5% increase in industry employees (now 230,000) and a 15% increase in ‘output per employer’.

Despite the positives, there is still one major problem for Romania; the tight labour market. Even with large companies increasing their spending on training for new employees, this remains an issue. As well as Ford and Dacia, the local automotive industry also has over 400 parts manufacturers.