Economy Minister Daniel Zamfir: “We want more automotive production to take place in Romania”

The Romanian government considers the automotive industry a strategic sector and is ready to engage in dialogue with manufacturers and suppliers to support investment, production and the industry’s transformation, Minister of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Daniel Zamfir said at Automotive Forum 2026, organised by Automotive Today and The Diplomat-Bucharest.

Addressing industry representatives, Daniel Zamfir stressed that the automotive sector remains one of the main pillars of the Romanian economy, despite the challenges currently facing the industry. He said the government was prepared to engage with manufacturers and respond swiftly to their concerns, underlining the importance of maintaining an open dialogue on the future of their operations in Romania.

“I want to make this absolutely clear: the Romanian Government considers the automotive industry a strategic industry. This is beyond any doubt. It is one of the pillars of the Romanian economy,” Zamfir stated.

“Of course, the automotive industry is not going through its happiest moments. That is clear. But this is also the time for the Romanian Government to sit down at the table. I assure you that I will make this happen swiftly, because dialogue is indeed necessary,” he added.

The minister reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to its long-standing partnerships with major automotive manufacturers Renault and Ford, saying that the government’s approach towards the two groups would remain unchanged.

“Romania has been, from the very beginning, a firm and loyal partner, both in its cooperation with the Renault Group and with the Ford Group. Therefore, there is no reason whatsoever for us to change our attitude,” Zamfir said.

He also called on manufacturers to maintain close communication with the authorities when considering strategic decisions that could affect their Romanian operations, including potential relocations.

“We want to support you, but we also expect you to engage with us whenever you make decisions concerning the future of your companies. If you are considering relocations or other significant changes, I believe it is important that we discuss them beforehand. Dialogue matters because we want to support you,” the minister pointed out.

Zamfir reiterated the government’s ambition to expand domestic automotive production and attract more models to Romanian manufacturing facilities.

“It is no secret, nor should it be, that we want more production to take place in Romania. We want as many Renault Group models as possible to be manufactured here, and the same applies to Ford,” he said.

“I would ask you to discuss with us any plans or intentions concerning the future of the Renault Group in Romania. As I have said, our intention is to cooperate with you and provide support so that more of your group’s products can be manufactured in Romania,” Zamfir added.

The minister also highlighted that strengthening the competitiveness of Romania’s automotive industry requires a broader approach, extending beyond the major vehicle manufacturers to include suppliers, technology-driven SMEs and software companies.

“Competitiveness and the transformation of the automotive industry cannot be achieved solely through projects undertaken by major manufacturers. They depend decisively on the entire value chain: suppliers, technology-oriented SMEs and software companies,” Zamfir said.

He stressed the need for closer cooperation between the government and these companies, describing reindustrialisation and the creation of greater added value within the domestic economy as important priorities of his mandate.

“I believe there needs to be a very close connection with these companies as well. From the moment I took office, my objective as Minister has been to support the Romanian economy and bring added value to it through reindustrialisation,” he stated.

According to Zamfir, the automotive industry has an important role to play in this process, and the Ministry of Economy is open to proposals aimed at supporting the sector, whether through dedicated programmes or legislative initiatives.

“We need reindustrialisation. And the automotive industry is, at least from my perspective as Minister of Economy, an important pillar in this effort,” he said.

“Whatever form of support you consider useful, whether we are talking about specific programmes or legislative initiatives, the Ministry’s door is open. I will address any such proposals swiftly,” Daniel Zamfir concluded.