Daewoo sold over 3.200 cars on the Romanian market in the first quarter of the current year, down 15% compared to the 3.830 automobiles sold in the corresponding period of 2006, according to Daewoo Automobile Craiova officials. In March 2007, Romanians bought 1.432 cars manufactured in Craiova, down nearly 20% compared to the over 1.750 units sold in March 2006.
Since the beginning of this year, Daewoo manufactures in Craiova the new Euro 4-engine Matiz. The exclusive model was launched on March13 and is preferred by many buyers due to its low pollution engine, as well as the lower first registration tax.
Daewoo Craiova last yaer sold over 23.000 cars on the Romanian market, up 13% compared to 2005, when sales barely exceeded 20.500 units. In Fall last year, the Romanian state became again the owner of the Craiova-based car maker. The company"s privatisation will be completed this year. The three companies interested in acquiring Daewoo Craiova are Ford, General Motors and Tata (India).