Romcar set to lose Ford imports in Romania

Ford Romania, the local subsidiary of the U.S. car maker, which last year acquired Automobile Craiova, is to take over the importing and distribution of the Ford brand in Romania, according to representatives of current importer, Romcar.

Romcar is part of TiriacAuto group, owned by former tennis player and one of Romania's wealthiest businessmen, Ion Tiriac.

Ford is currently the only brand in Romcar's portfolio. Since 2007, the company lost exclusivity for imports of Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Chrysler, Jeep and Mazda. According to Romcar representatives, the decision was made by mutual agreement with all parties involved.

The takeover of Ford imports comes as no surprise, as the announcement was expected ever since the U.S. giant took over the local car producer.

"In the following two or three months we will discuss the sale and post-sale details related to the Ford brand in Romania with Ford officials. We will manage marketing and sales operations until 2010 and Ford will draft is own strategy thereafter," Romcar General Manager, Gabriel Bondarenco, told Business Standard.

Business Standard