Romania 1998-2000: Last years of domination for the Dacia 1310

2 out of every 3 cars sold in Romania in 1998 are 1310 variants.

The Romanian new car market resumes its upwards run in 1998 with sales up 24.4% to a new record 139.867 units. Dacia (+7%) lags behind the market growth, resulting in a markedly lower yet still ultra-dominant 74.6% share or 3 out of every 4 new cars sold in the country this year. Daewoo (+249.3%) is back on track at 16.9% share, while Aro (-12.8%) continues to weaken to just 1.6% share. No other carmaker manages to hold at least 1% share. Model-wise, Dacia 1310 sedan (“Berlina”) and break splits are now available, showing the Berlina over 40% share and the break #3 overall at 12.1% below the pickup variant at 13.8%. That’s in effect a 66.1% share for Dacia 1310 variants in 1998 which have just benefitted from their last facelift, enabling the 1310 to score a 30th year atop Romanian charts. The Dacia Nova (+95.2%) continues to progress to hit what would remain its highest annual share at 8.5%. Next, Daewoo places the Tico, Nexia, Espero and Damas inside the Top 8 while Aro rounds out the Top 10 with the 24 and 32.

The Dacia Pickup is the 2nd best-selling vehicle over the period.

In 1999, new car sales take a hit at -16.7% to 116.553 units. Dacia (-19.5%) falls slightly faster than the market, resulting is a thawed 72% share. Daewoo (-11.2%) improves to 18% of the market. Only two brands account for 90% of Romanian sales in 1999. Aro (-8.6%) improves slightly to 1.8% while Volkswagen (+4%) returns above 1% share at 1.2% while Skoda (+17.6%) steps into the Top 5 with 0.9% of the market. The Dacia 1310 Berlina (-20.4%) drops to 38.4% share while the break variant (-2.8%) steps up to #2, overtaking the pickup (-20.3%). The locally produced Daewoo Tico (-15%) edges up one spot to #4, knocking the Dacia Nova (-38%) down to #5. The Daewoo Matiz lands directly at #7 while the Aro 32 still closes the Top 10.

The Dacia Nova ranks on the Romanian podium in 1998 and 2000.

In 2000, the Romanian new car market freefalls again at -30.3% to 81.182 units. Dacia (-40.3%) and Daewoo (-43.4%) fall faster to 61.8% and 14.6% share respectively, finally allowing some breathing space for additional brands. The first to shoot is Renault (+530.3%) up to #3 and 5.7%, followed by Volkswagen (+53%), Skoda (+72%) and Fiat (+91.3%). Aro (-34.1%) is thrown out of the picture from #3 to #7. Model-wise, the Dacia 1310 (-47%) is renamed Clasic for 2000 and hits a wall, losing almost half its 1999 volume to fall below 40% share. The Dacia Pickup (-30.1%) keeps its share identical at 13.2% while the Dacia Nova (-34.8%) returns to the podium, toppling the Daewoo Tico (-44.8%) with the Daewoo Matiz (-4.8%) rounding out the Top 5. The Renault Megane (+727.6%) surges 12 spots on 1999 to #8 while the new Dacia SuperNova lands at #8.

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Full Year 1998, 1999 and 2000 Top 40 All-brands and Top 230 All-models below.