Ford has confirmed that its plant in Romania, currently used to build the Puma and Ecosport cars, will be the home of a new light commercial vehicle from 2023. An all-electric battery-powered version will arrive a year later, in 2024.
Light Commercial Vehicle Plans
The new light commercial vehicle will be equipped with some of Ford’s most advanced conventional petrol and diesel engines, including advanced diesel engines from Ford’s Dagenham Engine Plant and transmissions sourced from Ford Halewood Transmissions.
However, Ford recently announced that its entire commercial vehicle range will be zero-emissions capable by 2024, which means the new LCV will also be equipped with pure-electric power.
“Ford’s Craiova operations have a strong record of delivering world-class competitiveness and flexibility. Our plan to build this new light commercial vehicle in Romania reflects our continuing positive partnership with local suppliers and the community, and the success of the entire Ford Craiova team,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.
“Adding an all-electric version in 2024 means Craiova will be our third facility in Europe to build an all-electric vehicle. It follows recent investments this year in the Ford Cologne Electrified Vehicle Centre in Germany and Ford Otosan’s Kocaeli plant in Turkey and sends another clear signal that we are on an accelerated path to providing our commercial vehicle customers with a zero emissions future in Europe.”
Romanian Investment
Ford is investing another $300 million (£215 million) into the factory in Romania. This will see overall spending on the plant in Craiova, once a Daewoo facility, reach close to $2 billion since Ford acquired it in 2008.
Significant upgrades have been made to Craiova’s vehicle operations in recent years, with more than 600 robots installed to improve efficiency and quality in the body, stamping, paint, trim and chassis shops. Around 6,000 people are employed in its vehicle and engine assembly operations.
Pricing and Availability
The start date for production of the new vehicle and further product details will be confirmed closer to launch.
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