Dacia Union Warns of 1,200 Layoffs at Mioveni Plant as Production Shifts Abroad

The Dacia Union warned on March 13, 2026, that approximately 1,200 employees at the Mioveni plant in Romania will be laid off in 2026. This reduction in the workforce is directly linked to a projected decrease in production at the domestic facility as the company shifts the manufacturing of new models to plants in Turkey and Slovenia. The union's announcement highlights a significant structural change for Automobile Dacia, which remains a cornerstone of the Romanian industrial sector. Union representatives expressed concern over the long-term impact on the local labor market in Argeș County. The layoffs are expected to coincide with the start of production for upcoming vehicle generations outside of Romania. Automobile Dacia was established in 1966 and has operated its primary production hub in Mioveni for decades. In 1999, the Romanian government sold the company to Groupe Renault, leading to a period of modernization and the global success of models like the Logan and Duster. The Mioveni plant has historically been one of the largest employers in the region, with its production levels serving as a key indicator for the Romanian economy. Previous expansions and model launches were typically centered at this site before the recent shift toward international diversification within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

The manufacturer cited several critical factors for moving production away from Romania, including fiscal instability and high energy costs. According to reports from G4Media and HotNews, the lack of adequate infrastructure in Romania has also played a decisive role in the decision to favor sites in Turkey and Slovenia. These logistical and economic challenges have reportedly made the Romanian production environment less competitive compared to alternative locations within the Renault group's global network. The company explained that these adjustments are necessary to maintain the brand's global competitiveness and manage operational expenses. Consequently, the Mioveni plant will see a diminished role in the assembly of the newest additions to the Dacia lineup.

The Dacia Union has been vocal about the implications of these changes for the remaining staff and the local economy. While the company has provided explanations regarding the structural shift, the union remains focused on the social cost of the 1,200 job losses. The transition to production in Turkey and Slovenia marks a departure from the previous strategy of centering most Dacia-branded manufacturing within Romanian borders. Industry analysts suggest that the move reflects broader trends in the European automotive sector, where companies are increasingly sensitive to energy prices and the quality of transport networks. The specific timeline for the layoffs and the exact models to be produced abroad will be finalized as the 2026 production cycle approaches. „concedierea a 1.200 de angajați” (the dismissal of 1,200 employees) — Dacia Union via HotNews

Future production volumes at Mioveni are expected to stabilize at a lower level following the 2026 restructuring. The Romanian government has faced repeated calls from the automotive industry to improve highway infrastructure and provide a more predictable fiscal environment to prevent such shifts. For now, the focus remains on the transition period and the support mechanisms that will be put in place for the affected workers. The 1,200 layoffs represent a significant portion of the Mioveni workforce, signaling a challenging year ahead for the industrial platform. Despite these cuts, Dacia is expected to continue its operations in Romania with its existing model range, even as the newest technology and designs move to international facilities. Dacia Production Shift 2026: Primary Production Locations (before: Mioveni, Romania, after: Turkey and Slovenia (for new models)); Workforce Level (before: Full employment, after: Reduction of 1,200 positions)