Dacia is celebrating a major milestone, having just produced its 10 millionth car.
It’s a significant landmark for the Romanian company, which was founded in 1966 as Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești (UAP).
An early agreement with Renault saw Dacia begin production of the 1100, a licensed version of the Renault 8, in 1968.
However, the full acquisition of the brand by Renault in 1999 has seen it expand far beyond its home market.
Dusting off a new car
The 10 millionth Dacia to leave the Mioveni production line in Romania was a new Duster Extreme SE, finished in Urban Grey.
It represents one of 2.1 million Dusters produced since the budget SUV was launched in 2010.
Dacia’s top-selling models that have contributed to the 10 million cars include:
- 2.6 million examples of the Sandero and Stepway
- 2.3 million 1300s, built between 1969 and 2006
- 2.1 million Dusters
- 1.95 million versions of the Logan and Logan MCV.
Dacia’s success is evidenced by the Sandero being Europe’s best-selling car, with the Duster as the most popular SUV.
A global success story
Renault’s development of Dacia has seen the company build more than 7.5 million vehicles since 2004. The brand is now available in 44 different countries, with more than 220,000 Dacias sold in the UK alone.
Along with the main Romanian production facility, Dacia now builds vehicles in Morocco, Algeria and China.
Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot said: “We are very proud to have passed the symbolic milestone of 10 million vehicles produced. This result rewards a pragmatic vision of the automobile, focused on what is essential to our customers. Building on its experience, Dacia will continue to grow and offer attractive vehicles that are adapted to our customers’ lifestyles.”
ALSO READ:
Best family SUVs to buy in 2022
Drivers face being wrongly fined in yellow box junctions, says RAC
Porsche goes retro with new 911 Sport Classic – yours for £210,000