Romania could lose production of the Duster and Bigster / Head of Dacia Romania: “The plants in Morocco pay less than half of Romania’s energy price”

Gabriel Dumitrache

18 October 2026, 20:03

Current Affairs

Foto: dacia.ro

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Dacia must significantly reduce production costs at the Mioveni plant by 2030, amid declining production and pressure in European automotive markets. Mihai Bordeanu, director of Dacia Romania, told Economedia that the objective is a reduction of at least 20%, with a target of 30%.

Bordeanu cited the example of Renault’s plant in Morocco, which he said had benefited from “huge, enormous, immeasurable” support from the state. He mentioned rapidly developed infrastructure, road connections to the port, and energy costs, which he says are less than half those in Romania. According to him, similar facilities exist in other countries where Renault has plants.

At Mioveni, the reduction in activity led to the launch, in October, of a voluntary departure program. Accepted employees may receive between 45,000 and 210,000 lei net, depending on seniority. The union claims that production has fallen to 1,060 vehicles per day, while working hours have been reduced from two and a half shifts to two and a quarter shifts.

In September, Dacia produced 23,355 vehicles, 19.55% fewer than during the same period of the previous year.

Dacia calls for massive cost reductions in Mioveni following declining production and pressure on the automotive market

The Dacia plant in Mioveni has already recorded a slowdown in its production rate, with 23,355 vehicles manufactured in September, 19.55% fewer than during the same period of the previous year. The declines were attributed to slowing demand both on the Romanian market and on European markets, while activity was also affected by stoppages related to retooling.

At the same time, the authorities discussed measures to support the plant, amid concerns that Romania may have lost competitiveness compared with other countries where Renault has production facilities. Meanwhile, the group’s management drew attention to costs, including energy costs, and called for support for the industry, including through adjustments to certain programs and measures to reduce pressure on manufacturers.

Against the backdrop of these developments, Dacia also announced temporary production stoppages in Mioveni in October, as a result of declining orders and the need to adapt to the workload. In previous statements, Mihai Bordeanu warned that, unless action is taken quickly, Romania’s automotive industry could lose a significant share of its activity, including because of high energy costs and the risk of investment relocation.