Ford launches EcoSport model production in Craiova, Romania

Ford Motor Company has launched, today, the production of the new EcoSport model at the Craiova Assembly Plant in Romania, with an investment of up to €200 million.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Prime Minister Mihai Tudose and other senior national and local officials joined nearly 4,000 Ford workers as the first of the new EcoSports rolled off the lines.

The Romanian automotive industry is becoming increasingly important at European level, and foreign investments must continue for Romania's economic development - President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Mihai Tudose stressed at the official opening ceremony.

Romania is now ranked 11th in Europe in terms of annual car production and it is essential that it develops economically by capitalizing the competitive opportunities it has – President Iohannis reminded, stating that the new car production in Craiova will ensure new jobs.

Klaus Iohannis: "With the expansion and modernization of Ford Craiova, another 1,700 new jobs are created, which is a great achievement for the local and regional economy. As a result of foreign investments, Craiova is again an important industrial center of Romania".

Prime Minister Mihai Tudose argued that his Executive's priority is to develop infrastructure.

Mihai Tudose: "Today, we can say that, as far as the infrastructure linking Craiova with the rest of the world is concerned, we are no longer promising, Mr. President, we are in schedule and, as we speek, these days, this week, next week, infrastructure works are in the process of the bidding and awarding procedure, things have started to move in this area too".

US officials, Ford Company Managers and diplomats have also highlighted the importance of the Strategic Partnership between the US and Romania, both in economic and military terms, and for the defense of democratic values in the world.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei