Ford Otosan Begins Delivery of First Romanian-Made Electric Vehicles
Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: Ford Otosan announced on Friday the commencement of deliveries for its first electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in Romania. The series production of the fully electric models Puma Gen-E, E-Transit Courier, and E-Tourneo Courier has officially begun at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Craiova, establishing the plant as a strategic production hub for Ford in Europe.
The Craiova plant stands out as one of the most complex and innovative facilities within Ford’s global production network, being the only site in Europe capable of manufacturing both passenger cars and commercial vehicles on the same assembly lines, including versions with internal combustion and electric engines.
Speaking on the occasion, Güven Özyurt, General Manager of Ford Otosan, stated, “Our ability to produce six different versions of vehicles at the same facility demonstrates not only our flexibility but also our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible to a wide audience. As the first electric vehicle manufacturer in Romania, we are proud to be at the forefront of industry transformation and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
To facilitate the production of electric vehicles, Ford Otosan has localized key components by establishing a new battery assembly line at the Craiova plant, which launched in October 2024. This step is part of a comprehensive investment strategy announced in 2022, following Ford Otosan’s acquisition of the Craiova plant.
Since 2022, the company has invested EUR 500 million to diversify vehicle production, transforming the Romanian facility into one of Europe’s most advanced and flexible automotive production units.
In addition, Ford Otosan has introduced a new intermodal transport route to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of logistics operations between Craiova and Türkiye. This system facilitates the rail transport of components from Türkiye to Romania and the shipment of manufactured vehicles from Romania to Türkiye.
Currently, Ford Otosan Romania manufactures both internal combustion and electric versions of the Ford Transit Courier, Tourneo Courier, and Puma models, alongside the renowned 1.0 EcoBoost engine. The Craiova plant operates in three shifts for both vehicle and engine production and employs over 6,600 people.
This milestone highlights Ford Otosan’s commitment to sustainable mobility and reinforces Craiova’s pivotal role as a center of innovation and production excellence in Europe.
