Ford Otosan has kicked off delivering the first electric vehicles produced in Craiova to customers, after a EUR 500 million investment in revamping the automotive plant.
Series production of the Puma Gen-E, E-Transit Courier and E-Tourneo Courier models began at the end of last year at the Craiova plant, reinforcing Ford Otosan’s role as a strategic manufacturing hub for Ford in Europe.
According to Ford Otosan officials, the Romanian plant is one of the most complex and innovative units within the Ford production ecosystem. Currently, the Craiova plant is the only one in Europe that produces both passenger cars and commercial vehicles on the same lines, in versions with internal combustion engines and electric ones.
“Today’s event underscores Ford Otosan’s commitment to innovation, electrification and manufacturing excellence. Our ability to produce six different vehicle versions in the same facility demonstrates not only our flexibility but also our dedication to making electric mobility more accessible to a wider audience. As the first electric vehicle manufacturer in Romania, we are proud to be at the forefront of industry transformation and contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Güven Özyurt, General Manager of Ford Otosan.
To support the production of electric vehicles, Ford Otosan has also invested in a completely new battery assembly line at the Craiova plant. It was inaugurated in October 2024, is fully integrated into existing manufacturing processes, and is carried out on an area of over 4,000 square meters, including related logistics areas.
Starting in 2022, Ford Otosan has made a total investment of 500 million euros to support the diversification of vehicle production at the Craiova plant. This investment also contributed to the technological transformation of the Craiova factory, positioning it as one of the most advanced and flexible automotive production units in Europe.
Ford Otosan Romania currently produces the internal combustion and electric versions of the Transit Courier, Tourneo Courier and Puma models, along with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine. The Craiova plant operates in three shifts in both vehicle and engine production and currently employs over 6,600 people.
The Turkish company Ford Otosan is co-owned by Ford Motor Company (41%) and Koç Holding (41%), the remaining 18% being shares placed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange.