The carmaker is expected to make a decision in the following months.
“Ford is looking at the possibility of launching production of the EcoSport model in Craiova, in the second half of 2017, and a final decision will be made in the following months,” Ford Romania union leader Ovidiu Cioroianu told MEDIAFAX Monday.
Ford currently assembles the B-Max model in Romania, starting mid-2012.
Company officials met with Prime Minister Victor Ponta in Bucharest Monday.
“Ford has said repeatedly it maintains its commitment to its investment in Romania and the factory in Craiova has a solid future. At the same time, we have said we are looking for opportunities to introduce new products in Craiova, but we have nothing more to add at this time,” said Ford Romania spokeswoman Ana-Maria Timis.
The European version of the SUV is currently made in India and will be available on the Romanian market this year.
Ford announced earlier this month nearly 500 employees of its 3,200 in Craiova will be leaving the company under a voluntary layoff program.