Automobile Dacia
Founded
|
1966
|
Headquarters
|
Mioveni, Argeş, Romania
|
Key people
|
Luc-Alexandre Menard, President
|
Parent
|
Renault
|
Website
|
History
The beginnings
The Dacia automobile company was founded in 1966 under the name Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești (UAP). The main Dacia factory was built in 1968, in Colibaşi (now called Mioveni), near Piteşti. Dacia acquired the tooling and basic designs of the Renault 12. However, until the tooling was ready it was decided to produce the Renault 8under licence; it was known as the Dacia 1100. From 1968 to 1972, some 44,000 were produced, with a very minor cosmetic change to the front in early 1970. Also produced in very limited numbers was the 1100S, with twin headlamps and a more powerful engine, used by the police and in motor racing.Dacia 1100 |
Dacia 1100S |
Changes soon followed as export markets opened up. In 1973, the estate variant, 1300 Break, was produced. There were 1300F (estate with no rear seats, for carrying goods) and 1300S (ambulance) variants, and in 1975 the Dacia 1302 pick-up was developed. 2,000 units were made until 1982.
Dacia also produced the D6, a CKD version of the Renault Estafette van, in limited numbers, but given the competition of the Bucharest-made T.V. van, numbers were very limited. In the very early 1980s, the Renault 20 was also assembled as the Dacia 2000; because of the exclusivity of this model numbers were always very limited. The 2000 was only available in dark blue or black, and was reserved for the Party elite. Beginning in 1978, the Renault 18 was also assembled by Dacia.
Dacia also produced the D6, a CKD version of the Renault Estafette van, in limited numbers, but given the competition of the Bucharest-made T.V. van, numbers were very limited. In the very early 1980s, the Renault 20 was also assembled as the Dacia 2000; because of the exclusivity of this model numbers were always very limited. The 2000 was only available in dark blue or black, and was reserved for the Party elite. Beginning in 1978, the Renault 18 was also assembled by Dacia.
A vintage photo of a Dacia 1300 |
1975 Dacia 1300 |
The 1980s
The designers were still coming up with fresh ideas, many of them shrouded in secrecy. Prototypes such as the 500cc Mini-Dacia, as well as Dacia 1310variants, were designed; some, such as the Dacia 1310 Limousine, are still on the road. These cars are eagerly prized by Dacia enthusiasts, and Dacia web forums are full of evidence about the rarities and oddities produced by Dacia during the 1980s. In 1982, after the 1302 was dropped, the Dacia 1304 Pick-up and 1305 Drop-side models were introduced. Actually, they had been launched from 1981. These were a commercial success and remained in production, gradually being modified along with the rest of the range, until December 2006. From 1985, also, the 1410 was available as a larger-engined variant, while the relatively short-lived 1210 was the economy variant until about 1992.1984 Dacia 1310 |
The 1990s
The 1320 model emerged in 1991 as the Dacia 1325 Liberta (after the 1989 revolution, themes of liberty were very much in fashion) and stayed in production until 1996.
The last of the quad-lamped models were produced in 1989, and all the Dacia range received the new front end of the 1320, called CN1. An effort was made to rejuvenate the model range: the Sport was dropped, due to lack of sales, and new commercial vehicles were introduced. The 1307 was a double-cabbed pick-up; the 1309 was an estate with a tarpaulin instead of a boot; the car was a cross-over between estate and pick-up and sold very well on the Chinese market. There were also several prototypes:
The last of the quad-lamped models were produced in 1989, and all the Dacia range received the new front end of the 1320, called CN1. An effort was made to rejuvenate the model range: the Sport was dropped, due to lack of sales, and new commercial vehicles were introduced. The 1307 was a double-cabbed pick-up; the 1309 was an estate with a tarpaulin instead of a boot; the car was a cross-over between estate and pick-up and sold very well on the Chinese market. There were also several prototypes:
- the 1610 diesel estate, powered by Volkswagen, with about 150 units sold
- the Dacia Star, with curved side windows
- the 1308 Jumbo, a camper-van, and several attempts to give the 1310 a more modern look by grafting the front of contemporary cars such as the Nissan Primera onto it.
The 1993 facelift was known within the industry as CN2. A reprojected front end was distinguished by a horizontal metal line in the grille. There were new headlamps, front and rear bumpers, and the shape of the front wings was accordingly different. Inside, there was a new dashboard for the base models, while the top-of-the-range cars had luxuries such as body-coloured bumpers, rear head restraints, a radio-cassette, hubcaps, and the ever-present CN1 dashboard, this time in black plastic. This model was not to stay in production for very long; in 1995 the CN3 type was introduced on the European market, followed by the Latin American market in 1996. Practically the only differences were those of trim level and the radiator grille.
Dacia Nova and Dacia SupeRNova share the same body |
2000 Dacia 1410 (CN4) |
In 1998, the anniversary year of three decades of production since the first Dacia rolled off the assembly line, vehicle number 2,000,000 emerged from the plant; this year saw the last restyling of the 1310. It was known as CN4 and involved a comprehensive restyling of the front end, as well as new door handles and a lightly restyled rear view mirror. The estate version was fitted with larger tail lights. The load-carrying models followed suit in 1999. It must be stressed that, even though the model was over thirty years old, it still sold exceptionally well due to a starting price of about 4,200 Euros and high availability of parts. "Goodies" such as a fuel-injection also helped keep the model relatively modern.
In 2000, a special edition was produced for the first time, known as Dacia Dedicaţie. This luxury version of the saloon and estate had alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, power steering, electric windows, and a far better level of finish. The models were all painted two-tone silver, and sold at a significantly higher price. From 2002, the cars became known as Berlina and Break, with the 1310 lettering being relegated to an insignificant position underneath the side light.
On 21 July 2004, the last models of the 1300 series rolled out the gates of the Mioveni production facility, just one month before their 35th anniversary. The very last Dacia 1310 (saloon version), number 1,979,730, will be kept in the Dacia Museum.
In 2000, a special edition was produced for the first time, known as Dacia Dedicaţie. This luxury version of the saloon and estate had alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, power steering, electric windows, and a far better level of finish. The models were all painted two-tone silver, and sold at a significantly higher price. From 2002, the cars became known as Berlina and Break, with the 1310 lettering being relegated to an insignificant position underneath the side light.
On 21 July 2004, the last models of the 1300 series rolled out the gates of the Mioveni production facility, just one month before their 35th anniversary. The very last Dacia 1310 (saloon version), number 1,979,730, will be kept in the Dacia Museum.
Dacia Pick-Up Double Cab 4X4 |
On 8 December 2006, the utility Dacia Pick-Up suffered the same fate. Although many improvements had been made in recent years, such as four-wheel drive, the introduction of a 1.9 diesel engine, the dashboard from theDacia Solenza (also seen on the very last 1310s) and wheels fastened by five studs as opposed the archaic three, Romania's entry in the European Union effectively prevented the continued production of the old models. The assembly lines will be remodelled and expanded to increase production of the Dacia Logan.
In over thirty-four years of production, and more than 2.5 million units produced, the Dacia 1300/1310 easily became the most common car on Romanian roads. Almost everybody owned one and became adept at carrying out repairs or home-made modifications. For example, many older cars had newer front ends grafted onto them to make them seem more modern, or purely because newer parts were easier to get. Consequently, original early 1300s are quite rare, with prices steadily increasing for the best-preserved models. Tuning of Dacias is also a popular pastime, although the home-made nature of much of the work casts doubt on the level of quality, safety and reliability of the finished product.
According to popular belief, during the Communist era, in the plant where Dacias were made, there were two assembly lines: one line producing Dacias intended for sale in Romania and the other line producing the same car (albeit from superior parts, and assembled with greater care) for export. Romanians living near the border would commonly purchase their Dacia in neighbouring countries expecting a higher level of quality.
In over thirty-four years of production, and more than 2.5 million units produced, the Dacia 1300/1310 easily became the most common car on Romanian roads. Almost everybody owned one and became adept at carrying out repairs or home-made modifications. For example, many older cars had newer front ends grafted onto them to make them seem more modern, or purely because newer parts were easier to get. Consequently, original early 1300s are quite rare, with prices steadily increasing for the best-preserved models. Tuning of Dacias is also a popular pastime, although the home-made nature of much of the work casts doubt on the level of quality, safety and reliability of the finished product.
According to popular belief, during the Communist era, in the plant where Dacias were made, there were two assembly lines: one line producing Dacias intended for sale in Romania and the other line producing the same car (albeit from superior parts, and assembled with greater care) for export. Romanians living near the border would commonly purchase their Dacia in neighbouring countries expecting a higher level of quality.
Acquisition by Renault
Meanwhile, work was continuing on the other Dacia models. In September 1999, Dacia was bought by the Renault group, with a view to making Romania its hub of automobile development in both Central and Eastern Europe, and investment was consequently increased. The first sign of this came in 2000, with the introduction of the SupeRNova, an improved version of the Nova with engine and transmission from Renault. The top-of-the range version had air conditioning, electric windows and a CD player. Sales were very good, although the outdatedness of the concept was striking. Dacia sold 53,000 vehicles in 2002 and it holds an almost 50 per cent market share in Romania.2003 Dacia Solenza |
2004–2011
|
|
The Dacia Logan is the most successful model since the original 1300. It was introduced after considerable media interest in August 2004, and despite design-related criticism, it became one of the top-selling cars in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Russia. The Logan is sold in a large number of countries, occasionally under the Renault brand. It was awarded 3 (out of 5) stars in NCAP crash testing. It is by far the best-selling car in Romania, with a market share of 27% in February 2008. A diesel version was also introduced in 2005. Before its launch, it was known as the 5000-Euro car due to its projected launch price. This was never quite the case, although it is one of the cheapest cars for its size on the market.
In 2006, the prototype Logan Steppe was exhibited. This showed a speculative 4x4 estate version of the Logan. The estate version was launched in late 2006. The van, basically an estate with the rear windows filled in and a separate cabin for the driver, was launched in February 2007 after the stopping production of the classic utility vehicle, the Dacia Pick-Up.
In 2006, the prototype Logan Steppe was exhibited. This showed a speculative 4x4 estate version of the Logan. The estate version was launched in late 2006. The van, basically an estate with the rear windows filled in and a separate cabin for the driver, was launched in February 2007 after the stopping production of the classic utility vehicle, the Dacia Pick-Up.
2010 Dacia Duster |
A pick-up model and the Logan-based hatchback Sandero were launched in 2008, the latter at the Geneva Motor Show.
In 2009, a new concept called the Dacia Duster was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, signaling manufacturer's intentions of releasing an SUV model.
In 2010, the Dacia Duster was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show. It is the first crossover SUV built by Dacia since the Renault acquisition, in both 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Officially revealed since 8 December 2009, it became available in Europe from 18 March 2010.
In 2009, a new concept called the Dacia Duster was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, signaling manufacturer's intentions of releasing an SUV model.
In 2010, the Dacia Duster was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show. It is the first crossover SUV built by Dacia since the Renault acquisition, in both 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Officially revealed since 8 December 2009, it became available in Europe from 18 March 2010.
2012
In 2012, Dacia Lodgy, a new compact MPV, was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. It is based on a new platform and is manufactured at an all-new Renault factory in Tangier, Morocco.
The Dokker, released in June 2012, is a slightly smaller leisure activity vehicle, also manufactured in Tangier, sharing the same platform with the Lodgy, available in passenger and panel van variants.
The Dokker, released in June 2012, is a slightly smaller leisure activity vehicle, also manufactured in Tangier, sharing the same platform with the Lodgy, available in passenger and panel van variants.
2012 Dacia Lodgy |
Sales
(Only under Dacia brand, not taking into account Dacia vehicule sales under Renault brand)
Model
|
1968–1972
|
1969–2004
|
1986–1992
|
2005
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
|
Dacia 1100/1100S
|
44,000
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
Dacia 1300/1310
|
−
|
1,959,730
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
Dacia Lăstun
|
−
|
−
|
6,532
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
Dacia Solenza
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
31,431
|
8,354
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
Dacia Pick-Up
|
−
|
279,184
|
−
|
−
|
21,165
|
11,733
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
Dacia Logan
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
20,274
|
134,887
|
184,975
|
230,473
|
218,666
|
158,251
|
127,164
|
95,452
|
102,193
|
Dacia Sandero
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
38,928
|
151,206
|
154,559
|
86,578
|
94,180
|
Dacia Duster
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
67,000
|
161,203
|
131,205
|
Dacia Lodgy
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
29,129
|
Dacia Dokker
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
2,924
|
Total
|
44,000
|
2,238,914
|
6,532
|
94,720
|
164,406
|
196,708
|
230,473
|
257,594
|
309,457
|
348,723
|
343,233
|
359,631
|
List of Automobile Dacia car models
Category
|
Models
|
Current models
|
Logan, Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Duster, Lodgy, Dokker,
Dokker Van
|
Historic models
|
1100, 1210, 1300,
1310, 1301, 1302, 1304 Pick Up, Duster (ARO 10), 1305 Drop Side, 1307 Double
Cab, 1307 King Cab, 1309, 1310/1410 Sport, 1410, 2000, D6, 500 Lătsun, 1320,
Liberta, Nova, SupeRNova, Solenza, Logan MCV, Logan Van, Logan Pick-Up
|
Prototypes
|
Braşovia, Mini-Dacia,
Jumbo, Nova, 1310 with diesel, Star, 1310, 1306, 1310 Break Limousine, D33,
1310 4x4/Aro 12, Duster
|
Last updated on 14 September 2013 at 14:15.
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