With a $300m investment the new all-electric model planned to launch in 2024 with Craiova following the Ford Cologne Electrified Vehicle Centre in Germany and Ford Otosan’s Kocaeli plant in Turkey to build all-electric vehicles

Ford Craiova Plant

Craiova, which also now produces the Puma mild-hybrid, has received a number of upgrades to its production operations in recent years

The new light commercial vehicle in will be launched in 2023 at the Craiova plant, with an all-electric version due to debut in 2024 – the first all-electric Ford volume vehicle to be built in Romania.

“Ford’s Craiova operations have a strong record of delivering world-class competitiveness and flexibility. Our plan to build this new light commercial vehicle in Romania reflects our continuing positive partnership with local suppliers and the community, and the success of the entire Ford Craiova team,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.

“Adding an all-electric version in 2024 means Craiova will be our third facility in Europe to build an all-electric vehicle. It follows recent investments this year in the Ford Cologne Electrified Vehicle Centre in Germany and Ford Otosan’s Kocaeli plant in Turkey and sends another clear signal that we are on an accelerated path to providing our commercial vehicle customers with a zero emissions future in Europe.”

Ford says the new light commercial vehicle will also be equipped with its advanced conventional petrol and diesel engines; the diesel units produced at the OEM’s Dagenham plant and transmissions sourced from Halewood.

Craiova, which also now produces the Puma mild-hybrid, has received a number of upgrades to its production operations in recent years, with more than 600 robots installed to further improve efficiency and quality in the body, stamping, paint, trim and chassis shops.

The start date for production of the new vehicle and more product details will be confirmed closer to launch.