Ford has reached the production milestone 12 years after manufacturing its first vehicle in Romania in 2009. Initially producing the Transit Connect compact van, Craiova has also manufactured the innovative B-MAX MPV and EcoSport SUV models, before beginning Puma production in 2019.
Earlier this year, Ford announced that it will invest $300 million to build a new light commercial vehicle in 2023 at its Craiova Assembly Plant in Romania, including an all-electric version due to debut in 2024 – the first all-electric volume vehicle to be built in Romania.
The investment will take the total invested by Ford in its Romanian manufacturing operations to almost $2 billion since acquiring the Craiova facility in 2008. More than 600 robots have been installed to improve efficiency and quality in the body, stamping, paint, trim and chassis shops. Around 6000 people are employed in Ford’s world-class vehicle and engine assembly operations in Romania.
Ford also unveiled the competition M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 car, which marks Ford’s first foray into electrified motorsport globally and is set to make its competitive debut at the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season-opening Monte Carlo Rally in January 2022.