Dacia, Romania's biggest car manufacturer, started its journey in 1966. It was established under the name Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești (UAP). The first model produced was the Dacia 1100, a rebadged version of the Renault 8, symbolizing the cooperation between the Romanian government and Renault.
The car that truly put Dacia on the map was the Dacia 1300. Launched in 1969, this model was based on the Renault 12 and became popular due to its affordability and simplicity. The 1300 series continued until 2004, gaining various updates and models over the years.
In 1999, Renault purchased Dacia, marking a new era of modernization and expansion for the Romanian brand. This resulted in the launch of the Dacia Logan in 2004, an affordable sedan model that achieved enormous success, especially in Eastern Europe.
Dacia has established itself as a brand focused on providing affordable, practical, and reliable vehicles. The company offers a range of vehicles, from compact city cars like the Sandero to robust SUVs like the Duster, and even commercial vehicles like the Dokker.< Read more
/p>
Across the range, Dacia offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and more recently, a new LPG bi-fuel option. This LPG version allows drivers to switch between LPG and petrol, offering more efficiency and reducing emissions. The power outputs for the engines range from around 70 to 130 horsepower, reflecting the brand's focus on practicality and efficiency rather than outright performance.
Dacia vehicles are well-regarded for their straightforward, functional design. The interiors are typically simple, with a focus on space and comfort. Standard equipment usually includes essentials like power steering, front power windows, and a radio/CD player, while higher-spec models offer features like air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, and rear parking sensors.
In terms of sales, Dacia has enjoyed considerable success, especially in the European market. The Dacia Logan and the Dacia Duster are among the best-selling models in several European countries. Dacia's philosophy of offering straightforward, robust, and affordable cars has appealed to a significant portion of car buyers. The brand sold over 550,000 vehicles in 2019, with the Duster SUV being the top-selling model.