Intro: Dacia was established by the Romanian government in the early 1970s with technical assistance from the French Renault company. Assembly of the Renault 12 commenced in Pitesti as the Dacia 1300.
Although it underwent subsequent modifications the car was still in production by the early 2000s and there is a very popular pick-up version too.
A new model, called the Nova was introduced in 1995. It was replaced with the SupeRNova in late 2000 and equipped with a 1.4-liter engine and a Renault transmission - the first result of the cooperation with Renault which took over the majority of shares in 1999.
Renault has been upgrading the plant and the SupeRNova was further upgraded with a Renault Clio sourced engine and interior bits. The new model is called Solenza and it was introduced in February, 2003. A diesel-powered Solenza was added to the range in September, 2003.
Production in 2003: Classic (the Renault 12 in disguise): 14155, Pick-up: 18931, SuperNova: 2438, Solenza: 37131
By 2004 Renault rebuilt the whole factory and unveiled the Logan (X90 program). The car is a major undertake by Renault to conquer Central and Eastern European markets, Iran, Africa and South America. In addition to Romania it will be made in Russia, Morocco, Iran, Colombia and there are talks about India and China too! |
