Romanian Car Mkr Dacia To Implement Automatic Gearbox Option

"For automatic transmission, we have begun testing last year, and within several months, probably early next year, Dacia will begin to mass produce cars fitted with this new technical solution," Prevel said in the conference "Mediafax talks about Auto Industry."

 

Asked if commercial vehicles would also be fitted with automatic transmission, Prevel said automatic transmission demand on the commercial vehicles segment is practically inexistent and Dacia will not implement, at least for the time being, the new type of gearbox on the commercial vehicle range (Logan VAN and Logan Pick-Up).

Prevel added RTR is testing various solutions to adapt the Dacia range to the new Euro 5 pollution standards, which will become compulsory starting with September 2009 for all car makers doing business in the European Union).

 

"We are working on several technical solutions, such as the software managing the engine, as well as the treatment of exhaust gas," Prevel said.

 

He let on that the switch to Euro 5 engine would not necessarily bring price hikes for Dacia cars, as clients are reluctant to pay more in order to have a Euro 5 compliant car.

 

Philippe Prevel added on a research level Renault maintains its plans, especially when it comes to the marketing of electric cars, despite delays suffered by projects and the difficult conditions in the market.

 

RTR is Renault’s regional engineering center, tasked with developing vehicle projects and mechanics projects made in the Euromed region plants and marketed in this region. Founded in June 2006, Renault Technologie Roumanie, with 1,700 engineers and technicians at the end of last year, is the largest engineering center Renault has outside France.