The Autoturisme Dacia Trade Union (SAD) warned on Friday that production at the Mioveni plant will decline this year after more than two decades, with significant staff reductions also expected.

In a press release, the union brings to mind that the Renault Group has recently decided that the Dacia Striker model will be produced in Türkiye, while the new electric model in the A segment will be manufactured in Slovenia, not in Mioveni.

'The reasons are well known: delayed infrastructure - including the Pitesti-Sibiu motorway, high energy costs, fiscal and political instability, as well as unpredictable economic programmes. All these contribute to reducing Romania's attractiveness for investment. The impact on Arges County could be major,' the press release reads.

According to the same source, the Dacia plant provides around 10,000 jobs directly and supports tens of thousands more indirectly through supplier companies. As a result, any decline in production at the Mioveni plant 'spreads through the entire local economy.'

'The year 2026 marks, after 22 years, a period of declining production and the dismissal of around 1,200 employees, amid falling demand and the acceleration of robotisation and automation processes. More than 90% of the production of the Mioveni plant is destined for export, and the loss of models manufactured here could have serious effects on the local and national economy,' the press release also reads.

Trade unionists stress that the automotive industry relies on long-term planning, and that fiscal stability, modern infrastructure and economic predictability are essential for maintaining investments in Romania.

'Dacia Mioveni remains the main employer and one of the most important exporters in Arges County. It is essential that this strategic industrial platform be supported through responsible policies so that it remains a pillar of the local economy,' the Autoturisme Dacia Union also said. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Onea; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)