Ford Otosan has officially started delivering its first electric vehicles produced at the Craiova plant in Romania, marking a major milestone in the company’s €500 million investment to modernize the facility. The strategic move reinforces Ford Otosan’s position as a key manufacturing hub for Ford in Europe, with a focus on innovation, electrification, and production flexibility.
Craiova Plant: A European Pioneer in EV Manufacturing
Series production of the Puma Gen-E, E-Transit Courier, and E-Tourneo Courier models began at the end of 2024. The Craiova plant stands out as one of Ford’s most advanced manufacturing facilities, being the only one in Europe capable of producing both passenger cars and commercial vehicles on the same lines, in both internal combustion and electric versions.
According to Ford Otosan officials, the Romanian plant is now a critical component of Ford’s European production ecosystem. “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,” said Güven Özyurt, General Manager of Ford Otosan.
New Battery Assembly Line to Boost EV Production
To support the increasing demand for electric vehicles, Ford Otosan has also invested in a brand-new battery assembly line at the Craiova plant. This state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated in October 2024, spans over 4,000 square meters, integrating seamlessly with the plant’s existing production infrastructure.
Ford Otosan’s Long-Term Commitment to Romania
Since acquiring the Craiova facility in 2022, Ford Otosan has invested heavily in transforming the factory into one of Europe’s most advanced and flexible automotive production units. Today, the plant operates three shifts across vehicle and engine production, employing over 6,600 people. In addition to electric models, it continues to produce the internal combustion versions of the Transit Courier, Tourneo Courier, and Puma models, along with the renowned 1.0 EcoBoost engine.
Ford Otosan, a Turkish company, is co-owned by Ford Motor Company (41%) and Koç Holding (41%), with the remaining 18% of shares publicly traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. As the first electric vehicle manufacturer in Romania, Ford Otosan is playing a leading role in shaping the future of mobility in Europe.
