Romania’s Dacia reaches 3 million cars sold since it became an international brand

Romanian automaker Dacia has sold 3 million cars since it renewed its brand and started producing its first model to fit international standards, the Dacia Logan, in 2004, the company announced. Dacia recently celebrated 15 years since French group took over the company from the Romanian state, in 1999. Dacia Logan was the first Dacia model created as part of Renault group and it was also the first Dacia model which was sold by Renault on Western European markets. After Logan, came Sandero and the Duster SUV, which quickly became international hits for the Romanian brand. “Dacia has now sold three million vehicles since the brand’s renewal merely 10 years ago, and that’s something of a unique achievement in today’s automobile industry,” said Nicolas Wertans, Renault Group’s Senior Vice President in charge of Global Sales. “The Dacia brand has built a strong bond with its customers based on a sense of confidence and proximity. This success is also due to a clear, straightforward pledge that fits perfectly with the expectations of motorists looking for a safe, reliable vehicle with a modern equipment and performance package at an affordable price,” he added. Dacia has been one of the fastest growing auto brands in Europe in recent years. Dacia’s sales on the EU market have grown by 30% in the first eight months of this year, to 247,000 units, while its market share increased to 3%, from 2.4% in the first eight months of 2013. The 3,000,000th Dacia sold was a Sandero Stepway purchased by a client in Spain, who received the car keys from Renault’s head of sales at the Paris Motor Show. This is the second historic landmark touched by Dacia this year. The Romanian automaker also topped 5 million cars produced in its local factory in Pitesti a few months ago. Andrei Chirileasa, andrei@romania-insider.com