Romanian web users searching for "stiri auto" will find a fast-moving story this week: Renault Group reported on Oct. 29 that Dacia sold 144,175 vehicles in Q3 2026, a 12.8% year‑on‑year decline, and Bucharest’s new economy minister has said he will open talks with company leaders to explore measures to keep production at the Mioveni plant.
Numbers, timing and immediate reactions
Renault Group’s Q3 2026 revenue release shows the group sold 497,799 vehicles in the quarter; Dacia’s third‑quarter sales were 144,175 units (−12.8% vs Q3 2025) and the brand’s nine‑month total to Sept. 30 was 471,007 units (−9.7% year‑to‑date). The company notes the decline came against a high comparison base and amid rapid market electrification, while highlighting upcoming deliveries of Sandero HEV, New Spring and Striker that the group expects to support volumes in Q4.
At home, Romania’s Ministry of Economy has flagged an industrial downturn: an internal note cited by Romanian press attributes a 12.7% drop in vehicle output in the period cited and warns of significant social impact from job losses in the sector. The government paper (summarised by business press) sets out measures under consideration including steps to lower energy costs for industry, continuation or re‑scoping of the Rabla purchase incentive through 2027–2030, and alignment with EU “omnibus” rules to reduce administrative burden.
What ministers say
On Oct. 30 Minister of Economy Daniel Zamfir told reporters he wants direct talks with Dacia management before defining any concrete support package and said stimulating local sales via the Rabla programme is on the table; he also indicated plans to visit Mioveni with the energy minister to discuss the effects of high electricity costs on competitiveness. Zamfir emphasised Dacia is a private company but said its contribution to the national economy means the state cannot ignore the situation.
