The launch of the new Ford Transit Courier and Ford Tourneo Courier models is a major success for the Romanian automotive industry, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said, stressing that any large investment in the Romanian economy must be supported.

On Tuesday, the head of the Executive met with representatives of Ford Otosan management and visited the Craiova plant, in the context of the launch of the new Ford Transit Courier and Ford Tourneo Courier models.

“I went earlier and saw three production halls. I was impressed both by the level of technology and the professionalism of all the employees working here. Moreover, I did a test-drive with the new Turneo and I want to say that I am proud that such a car, which can rival any competing model produced in any other factory in the world, is made here, in Romania”, said Marcel Ciolacu.

The prime minister pointed out that the Craiova plant, the result of a strategic Turkish-American partnership, is already a successful project.

“The plant here is the result of a Turkish-American strategic partnership, concluded last year, when Ford Otosan took over this plant. At the time, many raised eyebrows and were reluctant. Not me! I know very well both the American pragmatism and the determination and commitment of the big business groups in Turkey to demonstrate that such an investment is a success. And the figures – which, for me, as prime minister, are of great significance – show that this project is already a great success: investments of almost 500 million euros over the next three years; the recruitment of 1,300 employees at both the car and engine plants; an increase in annual production capacity to over 270,000 car units and 350,000 engine units. These data show very clearly that Romania is a place where big investments produce valuable and long-term results,” the prime minister added.

According to him, any major investment in the Romanian economy must be supported.