The UK market could be a breath of fresh air for Romanian carmaker Automobile Dacia, given that the UK car market last year saw the largest number of cars sold since 2008, seeing its car registrations rise 5%, to over 2 million cars. The UK market also started 2013 with an over 11% rise in the first month.
“The almost 300 Dacia cars registered in the UK last month are most likely for dealers. The UK market is historical and demanding. More details on the launch of the Dacia brand in the UK will be made available at the Geneva Motor Show,” said Constantin Stroe, vicepresident of Automobile Dacia.
Of the three Dacia models sold in the UK – Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Duster, only the Duster SUV is imported from India, while the other two are manufactured at the Romanian plant. This will have a direct positive impact on Dacia’s Romanian production, which last year fell 6% to 307,000 cars.
As for the UK launch, according to Dacia’s UK forum, those who ordered a Sandero Stepway this month will get it in June, while the Dusters ordered will be delivered as of March, with no official date being available on the brand’s UK website.
“The UK car market was supported in the first month of the year by a solid demand rise, this being the 11th consecutive month of growth. In 2013 we expect the market to continue to rise,” said Mike Baunton, interim CEO of SMMT.
(English version by Daniela Stoican)