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    Automotive Today celebrates the winners of the Automotive Awards for Excellence Gala 2026

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    At a time when the automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological breakthroughs, evolving regulations, and changing customer expectations, acknowledging excellence and innovation has never been more relevant. The Automotive Industry Forum & Awards for Excellence 2026, hosted by The Diplomat-Bucharest and Automotive Today, marks its 9th edition this year and has established itself as a landmark event, reflecting the evolution of the automotive sector while celebrating its most remarkable achievements in Romania.

    Taking place on November 10 at Nord Events Center – Globalworth, Summit Hall, the event brought together influential industry leaders, outstanding companies, and pioneering projects that are shaping the future of mobility. Over the years, the event has evolved into a leading industry platform, combining strategic conversations and valuable insights at the Automotive CEO Forum with the recognition of outstanding performance at the Automotive Awards Gala.

    As the automotive sector continues its journey towards a smarter, greener, and more connected future, this special occasion offers a platform to recognize and celebrate the visionaries, industry leaders, and organizations whose commitment, expertise, and innovation are driving the transformation of Romania’s automotive landscape.

    As we celebrate this 9th edition, we are already looking forward to welcoming you back next year for the 10th edition of the Automotive Industry Forum & Awards for Excellence, which will take place at the same venue, Nord Events Center – Globalworth. We look forward to continuing this journey together and celebrating another year of excellence, innovation, and progress in the automotive industry.

    We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our valued partners, whose trust and support have played an essential role in making this event possible. Thank you for being part of this journey and for contributing to the success of this edition. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

    Strategic Partner ACAROM,

    Platinum Partner NXP Semiconductors Romania,

    Gold Partners Magna, Rombat, Infineon Technologies, Verdum, BMF Grup, PwC, Bio Circle, Klarwin, Forvis Mazars, Aumovio, Dacia, Piaxo, Ford, NTT DATA

    Partners Monsson Trading, Schaeffler, Trigo

    Supporting Institutions BRCC, ANIS, Concordia, AHK Romania, CCIFER, ROFMA, Cluj IT, Lovering & Partners

    Media Partners Outsourcing Today, Sustainability Today, Financial Intelligence, Economistul, Romania Durabila, Club Economic, Ziarul Bursa.

    Romania’s automotive champions were decided by the esteemed jury committee, comprised of top professionals from various business sectors: 

    Daniel Anghel, Country Managing Partner, PwC Romania

    Bogdan Barbu, Tax Partner, Deloitte Romania

    Alexandru Mitroi, Senior Adviser, Invest Romania

    Alin Negrescu, Tax Partner, Head of Automotive & Industrial Markets, KPMG Romania

    Cristina Bojica, VicePresident CCIFER, Partner Gruia Dufaut & Asociații

    Sebastian Metz, General Manager, AHK Romania

    Andrian Vasile, Partner, Head of Audit & Financial Advisory, Forvis Mazars in Romania

    Colin C. Lovering, Chairman of the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce

    Andrei Mihai Craciun, Head of Digital Transformation and Data Analysis Department, West University of Timisoara

    A special thank you to our jury members for supporting this great event organized by Automotive Today and The Diplomat-Bucharest!

    And now it’s time to reveal the list of winners at the Automotive Industry Awards for Excellence Gala 2026:

    INNOVATION AWARD

    The company receiving this award in this category has introduced a new approach to automotive electronic architecture. This technology addresses a major trend in the automotive industry: the transformation of the car into an intelligent vehicle, increasingly defined by software.

    The solution is part of the company’s broader vision for the future of mobility, in which artificial intelligence, connectivity and over-the-air software updates will enable vehicles to continuously evolve. By consolidating functions and making efficient use of data from sensors and vehicle systems, this approach opens up new opportunities to enhance safety, optimise performance and improve the in-vehicle experience.

    This solution deserves recognition for its contribution to accelerating the transition towards intelligent, connected and software-defined vehicles, providing automotive manufacturers with a solid foundation for the next generation of mobility.

    The award goes to NXP Semiconductors for its Automotive Central Compute Solution.

    INVESTMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

    This category recognises the construction of the largest semiconductor research and development centre in South-Eastern Europe, a strategic project for Romania and for positioning the country on Europe’s innovation map.

    With a presence in Romania spanning more than 20 years, this company has grown from a small team of engineers into one of the region’s most important research and development centres, with operations in Bucharest, Iași, Brașov and Cluj-Napoca.

    The new centre in Bucharest, covering more than 20,000 sqm, including over 3,000 sqm dedicated to specialised laboratories, is designed to support the entire semiconductor development process, from design and research to testing and validation. The building incorporates modern energy-efficiency technologies, including a geothermal heating and cooling system, solar panels and heat recovery systems.

    Through its scale, vision and long-term impact, this investment is an outstanding example of strategic development that goes far beyond a conventional infrastructure project. It is an investment in people, skills, technology and the future, strengthening Romania’s position as an important destination for high-tech research and development.

    The award goes to Infineon Technologies.

    GREEN MOBILITY AWARD

    This company is actively contributing to the transformation of mobility through the development and production of electric vehicles in Romania, demonstrating that the transition towards more sustainable transport can also be supported by tangible market results.

    Its commercial success confirms the growing customer interest in electric mobility: in 2026, the manufacturer ranks third in the battery electric vehicle market, while both vehicles produced in Craiova rank first in their respective segments.

    The performance of these models is supported by investments made to adapt the Craiova plant for electric vehicle production. This transformation involved new technologies and processes, employee training and the integration of production into the company’s European network. Romania is therefore not merely a market adopting electric mobility, but also an important hub for the development and production of vehicles supporting the green transition of the European automotive industry.

    By combining commercial success with industrial investment, Ford Romania Services demonstrates that electric mobility can become an accessible and relevant choice for an increasing number of users. Congratulations!

    SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

    In an industry where every resource matters, protecting water and using it responsibly have become essential objectives for sustainable development. A project implemented at the Ford Otosan plant in Craiova demonstrates that wastewater can become a valuable resource.

    Through a modern recovery and reuse solution, water generated by industrial processes and already treated is returned to the production cycle, helping reduce freshwater consumption and environmental impact.

    The system can recover up to 7 cubic metres of water per hour, representing a potential of approximately 63 million litres reused annually.

    Another key advantage is the full integration of the solution into the plant’s operations, where the entire process runs automatically and is continuously monitored. As a result, water reuse becomes part of daily operations, ensuring efficiency, continuity and rigorous quality control.

    For turning an environmental challenge into a tangible solution with measurable benefits, for contributing to the circular economy and promoting a more efficient and responsible industrial model, this award goes to Klarwin.

    COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD

    Investing in the future of a community starts with education, inspiration and access to opportunities. In a constantly evolving field such as technology, encouraging children to discover programming and develop their creativity from an early age can make a real difference for future generations.

    Driven by this belief, a volunteering initiative brought together two software engineers and two girls aged just 8 and 9, giving them the opportunity to turn an idea inspired by real life into a functional application.

    As part of the international Technovation Girls programme, the two girls developed an application called “Berry”, a child safety solution that allows parents to locate their children using mobile devices such as smart bracelets or smart rings, without requiring them to carry a smartphone.

    The idea was inspired by a real-life situation in which a child got lost during a mountain trip. With the support of their mentors, the girls learned not only how to build the application, but also how to identify a need, develop a solution, prepare a business plan and present their idea publicly. The project reached the semi-finals of the international Technovation Girls competition.

    For its active involvement in educating the next generation, promoting equal opportunities in technology and transforming professional expertise into real opportunities for the community, this award goes to Randstad Digital Romania.

    EDUCATION COMMITMENT AWARD

    Quality education plays an essential role in preparing the specialists who will shape the industries of the future. In a rapidly transforming field such as the automotive industry, a technology company has invested in creating a modern laboratory for students at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest.

    The new laboratory gives undergraduate, master’s and PhD students the opportunity to learn and work in an environment similar to the one they will encounter in the automotive industry. They can explore areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development and testing, as well as autonomous driving technologies.

    This initiative contributes to developing local skills and strengthening Romania’s role in the evolution of intelligent mobility.

    Through this investment in education, research and the development of the next generation of engineers, the company demonstrates that community involvement also means creating real opportunities for the future.

    For its contribution to bringing education closer to industry needs and preparing tomorrow’s specialists, this award goes to Bosch Romania.

    COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

    Projects with a real impact emerge when academia and industry bring together their expertise and resources around a common objective.

    One such partnership is the collaboration between the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest and a major player in the automotive industry, brought to life through the inauguration of the “Software Defined Vehicles” laboratory. The initiative addresses the growing need for specialists equipped to meet the technological changes shaping the future of mobility.

    However, the value of this collaboration goes beyond the infrastructure created. By involving industry specialists and integrating their expertise into the educational process, the partnership brings the university closer to the real requirements of the labour market.

    At the same time, it contributes to the development of a local innovation ecosystem and strengthens Romania’s role in international projects dedicated to intelligent mobility.

    For its ability to turn a common objective into a tangible project with long-term benefits for education, research and industry, this award goes to the partnership between POLITEHNICA Bucharest and Bosch Romania.

    AUTOMOTIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARD

    The digital transformation of the automotive industry is no longer just about adopting new technologies. It involves rethinking the entire way mobility solutions are designed, tested and manufactured.

    As vehicles become increasingly intelligent and development processes more complex, this company has built an integrated digital ecosystem connecting artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics across its operations in Romania. Its centres in Timișoara, Sibiu and Iași play an important role in this transformation.

    Investing in people is an essential part of this journey. Teams across the three centres collaborate to develop solutions that can be deployed on a large scale, while learning programmes help employees develop their digital skills and confidently use new tools.

    Artificial intelligence complements specialists’ expertise without replacing human responsibility and knowledge. In this way, Romania is strengthening its position as a strategic innovation hub within the global organisation and contributing directly to the development of intelligent mobility.

    For integrating digital technologies into the core processes of the automotive industry and for the contribution of its Romanian teams to the mobility of the future, this award goes to AUMOVIO Romania.

    HR MANAGER OF THE YEAR

    A truly outstanding HR leader knows how to create a strong connection between organisational performance and people’s development.

    With more than 20 years of experience in the field, this approach is reflected in a leadership style focused on strong processes, communication, trust and an organisational culture in which every employee has the opportunity to grow.

    For her, HR is not merely a support function, but an active partner in the company’s development.

    An important focus of her work is leadership development, particularly for frontline managers. In Craiova, this vision takes shape through leadership development programmes, continuous training and practical learning methods.

    One example is the financial education module, which helps leaders better understand how their day-to-day decisions influence the company’s results.

    Beyond formal programmes, her approach encourages collaboration and team development through coaching, open communication, recognition and empathy.

    In recognition of this vision and its impact on people and the organisation, this award goes to Daniela Alexandru, HR Manager at Magna Exteriors Craiova.

    CEO OF THE YEAR

    The automotive industry is going through one of the most significant periods of transformation in its history, and companies’ success increasingly depends on their leaders’ ability to anticipate change and act quickly.

    In a context marked by intense international competition, cost pressures and technological change, a strong leader is someone who can turn challenges into clear courses of action and mobilise the entire industry around common objectives.

    Through his public contributions, this CEO advocates for a more agile, responsible and competitive European automotive industry.

    A central message of his vision is the importance of speed of execution: good ideas and strategies must be implemented quickly, while competitors’ success stories should be viewed as opportunities to learn.

    In his view, Europe needs to adopt best practices, reduce delays in decision-making and strengthen its ability to respond.

    For the courage to challenge traditional ways of thinking and the ability to advocate for a faster and more competitive automotive industry, this award goes to Mihai Bordeanu, Managing Director, Dacia South Eastern Europe and Country Head Romania, Groupe Renault.

    EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR (< 500 employees)

    A top employer is built on people, development opportunities and an environment where talent can translate into performance.

    Over ten years of operations in Romania, a company that started with a small team has grown into an important software and engineering centre, with offices in Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara.

    Today, more than 380 specialists contribute to international projects and the development of technologies transforming the automotive industry and beyond.

    One of the organisation’s key strengths is the diversity of its projects and the fields in which employees can put their experience to use.

    Teams work on solutions for electric mobility, artificial intelligence, connectivity and complex software systems, while their accumulated expertise is also being applied in new areas, such as electric marine mobility.

    This gives specialists the opportunity to continuously expand their skills and contribute to projects with an international impact.

    For its solid growth, the professional opportunities it provides and its contribution to developing a community of highly skilled specialists in Romania, this award goes to Porsche Engineering Romania.

    EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR (> 500 employees)

    A strong employer stands out not only through the professional opportunities it offers, but also through its ability to create a community in which people feel connected and involved.

    The company brought together employees from its four locations in Romania – Brașov, Timișoara, Iași and Sibiu – through an extensive engagement and social responsibility programme.

    The initiative transformed local activities into a shared experience that encourages collaboration and a sense of belonging.

    More than 20 events and activities brought together thousands of employees and their family members.

    From volunteering initiatives focused on environmental protection and community support to sports competitions, educational activities, family events and gatherings among colleagues, the programme offered numerous opportunities to get involved.

    At the same time, the company invests in employees’ professional development and career prospects through dual education programmes, internships for young people, graduate training programmes and future leadership development.

    By consistently investing in people and turning shared values into meaningful action, the company demonstrates what it means to be a relevant employer for a large professional community.

    For its sustained commitment to employee development and local communities, this award goes to Schaeffler Romania.

    BEST PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR

    In the automotive industry, where innovation and adaptation to new technologies are essential, collaboration between companies can accelerate the development of solutions with a long-term impact.

    One such example is the partnership established to create a new research and development centre in Timișoara, dedicated to the battery technologies of the future.

    The project focuses on areas such as sodium-based batteries, intelligent battery management systems and modern energy storage solutions.

    More than an investment in technology, this initiative creates the conditions for over 120 new engineering jobs and gives specialists in Romania the opportunity to contribute to projects that are important for the future of mobility.

    Its impact goes beyond the direct benefits for the partners involved: the project strengthens Romania’s position as an automotive engineering hub and contributes to the development of European research capabilities in battery technology.

    At the same time, it supports the development and retention of local talent in a sector with significant growth prospects.

    For their shared vision, the trust built through collaboration and the tangible results supporting innovation and the development of the automotive industry, this award goes to the partnership between Piaxo and Clarios.

    TIER 1 SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD (< 500 employees)

    Excellence for an automotive supplier is measured both by the quality of the products delivered and by its ability to consistently meet the requirements of international car manufacturers.

    In an industry where precision, safety and on-time delivery are essential, operational performance must be continuously supported by innovation and a culture of continuous improvement.

    With a workforce of fewer than 500 employees, this company has successfully combined these objectives and strengthened its reputation in Romania’s automotive industry.

    A relevant example of its innovative capabilities is the development of Pressureless™ technology, a new solution for fuel tanks designed for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

    It offers an alternative to conventional systems through a design that manages volume variations without requiring pressure to build up inside the tank.

    Developed starting in 2021 and validated in 2024, the technology underwent testing in accordance with European and American regulations and is supported by six patent applications.

    By combining operational performance with the development of innovative technology, the company demonstrates that excellence as a Tier 1 supplier means consistency, responsibility and the ability to anticipate industry needs.

    This award goes to OPmobility C-Power Romania.

    TIER 1 SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD (> 500 employees)

    With more than 45 years of experience in the automotive battery industry, the company has built its reputation on consistent quality, reliability and long-standing partnerships with major car manufacturers.

    It has maintained an uninterrupted partnership with Dacia and the Renault Group for more than three decades, and currently also supplies batteries to Ford.

    Over the past ten years, it has delivered more than 5 million batteries to automotive industry customers, demonstrating that experience and production capacity can go hand in hand with high performance standards.

    Its performance is supported by continuous investments in research, testing and modernisation.

    The company is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to assess battery lifespan and anticipate potential problems, as well as digital solutions that simplify warranty management.

    At the same time, its research teams are developing alternative energy storage technologies, including sodium-based batteries, which are currently in the final testing stage.

    These initiatives demonstrate the company’s commitment to adapting to the future requirements of mobility and diversifying the solutions it offers its customers.

    For its contribution to automotive industry performance and its proven reliability in its relationships with major manufacturers, this award goes to ROMBAT.

    OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY AWARD

    An outstanding contribution to the automotive industry is built through vision, investment and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for development.

    In a year of particular significance for Romania’s automotive industry, the Ford Otosan plant in Craiova celebrates 50 years of production.

    This achievement reflects the evolution of an industrial platform that has become an important landmark on the European automotive manufacturing map.

    The transition to new mobility solutions demonstrates the plant’s ability to adapt to industry changes and contribute to a more sustainable future.

    This performance is the result of continuous investment, operational excellence and, above all, the dedication of generations of employees who have built the reputation of the Craiova plant.

    Behind these results is also the leadership that supports the organisation’s strategic direction, encourages progress and strengthens Romania’s role in the international automotive industry.

    Through production development, the integration of new technologies and the effective use of local teams’ experience, the Craiova plant demonstrates that Romanian industry can combine tradition with transformation and innovation.

    For its contribution to the development of Romania’s automotive industry, for leading an important stage of industrial evolution and for the results marking 50 years of production, this award goes to Firat Elhüseyni, President, Ford Otosan Craiova.

    TIER 2 SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD (< 500 employees)

    In an automotive industry undergoing continuous transformation, a supplier’s performance is measured not only by its production capacity, but also by consistency, flexibility and attention to quality.

    In this context, the facility in Pitești contributes to the international competitiveness of a globally present industrial group, demonstrating that local expertise and high standards can go hand in hand.

    The Pitești plant combines the team’s knowledge with modern production infrastructure.

    Its 12 injection moulding machines, most of which are fully electric, together with robotic systems, enable efficient processes tailored to the automotive industry’s requirements.

    For the team’s professionalism, modern processes and compliance with internationally recognised standards, this award goes to Röchling Automotive Pitești.

    TIER 2 SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD (> 500 employees)

    In an automotive industry where technology is evolving rapidly and requirements for safety, performance and connectivity are becoming increasingly complex, supplier excellence means being able to turn innovative ideas into tangible solutions that automotive manufacturers can benefit from globally.

    Through its research and development activities, the centre in Romania contributes directly to this transformation, supporting international projects and developing technologies for the mobility of the future.

    With 626 permanent employees and approximately 1,300 specialists, including contractors and collaborators, the Romanian organisation has managed more than 100 automotive research and development projects and delivered over 1,000 software releases annually.

    In 2026, the team grew by approximately 25% compared with the end of the previous year, reflecting both customer confidence and the local centre’s ability to take on increasingly large and complex projects.

    The contribution of the Bucharest teams can be seen in solutions that help automotive manufacturers and their partners develop and launch new products faster.

    At the same time, the organisation has maintained its commitment to quality and reliability without compromise, even in a challenging global environment.

    Through its sustained pace of innovation and direct contribution to projects with an international impact, the centre in Romania demonstrates that it is a strategic partner for the global automotive industry.

    For the team’s performance and the value of the solutions developed in Bucharest, this award goes to NXP Semiconductors Romania.

    TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

    The transition to electric mobility depends on technologies that make vehicle batteries safer, more efficient and easier to adapt to different vehicle models.

    In this context, intelligent battery management plays an essential role: it continuously monitors battery operation, helps control temperature and supports the protection of the electrical system.

    Such an integrated solution was developed for a next-generation electric vehicle platform, addressing complex performance and safety requirements.

    Beyond the technology development itself, the project’s success required close collaboration with the customer, from the design and validation stages through to preparation for series production.

    The solution was delivered on time and successfully entered production, reaching approximately 200,000 units.

    This result confirms not only the maturity of the technology, but also the team’s ability to turn a complex development process into a product effectively used in the automotive industry, delivering value through performance and cost efficiency.

    For the development and delivery of the integrated battery management system designed for electric vehicle platforms, this award goes to Schaeffler Romania.

    COMPANY OF THE YEAR (< 500 employees)

    Companies that combine engineering expertise, innovation and a close understanding of customer needs play an essential role in developing the mobility of the future.

    Through software development services, digital solutions and technologies for next-generation vehicles, a Romanian company is contributing to important projects alongside international automotive manufacturers and suppliers, strengthening its position within the automotive ecosystem.

    An important milestone in its development was the opening of a new research and development centre in Timișoara.

    The centre focuses on technologies that will support the next generations of vehicles, such as sodium-ion batteries, battery management systems and inverter technologies.

    The project will contribute to the development of advanced engineering capabilities in Romania and has the potential to create more than 120 jobs for specialists.

    For its contribution to automotive innovation, the expansion of research and development capabilities and the strengthening of Romania’s role in this field, this award goes to Piaxo.

    COMPANY OF THE YEAR (> 500 employees)

    A company’s performance in the automotive industry is built on its ability to combine industrial heritage, adaptation to market requirements and the development of products appreciated by customers.

    A relevant example is the Mioveni plant, which continues to play an important role in the European automotive industry and Romania’s economy.

    The facility has become the production hub for a model that has quickly earned customers’ trust and demonstrated the potential of the local automotive industry in international markets.

    Just one year after the start of series production, the Mioveni plant reached the milestone of 100,000 Bigster units produced.

    More than 95% of production is destined for export, with significant volumes delivered particularly to France and Germany, confirming the model’s success in Western European markets.

    Customer interest in higher-specification versions and the Hybrid 155 powertrain highlights the model’s appeal.

    Through large-scale production, commercial success and a strong presence in international markets, Mioveni confirms its importance within the Group’s strategy and the regional automotive industry.

    For its industrial and commercial performance, as well as its contribution to strengthening the reputation of Romanian automotive manufacturing, this award goes to Dacia.

    HUMAN RESOURCES EXCELLENCE AWARD

    An organisation’s performance starts with the people who coordinate its day-to-day activities.

    In a dynamic industrial environment, team leaders and supervisors play an essential role in employee safety, product quality, process efficiency and customer satisfaction.

    That is why their development is not simply an investment in skills, but also a way of building more engaged, better prepared and more confident teams.

    In 2026, an international leadership development initiative was implemented at the Craiova plant through the Leadership Excellence programme.

    It provides emerging leaders with a structured development journey combining role integration, training, continuous learning, knowledge sharing and practical projects.

    Participants develop their communication, decision-making, coordination and performance management skills, applying what they learn directly in their daily work.

    The programme also emphasises building trust, recognising each employee’s contribution, promoting inclusion and creating a working environment where people feel respected and encouraged to get involved.

    For its investment in people and its structured approach to developing frontline leaders, this award goes to Magna Exteriors Craiova.

    MAJOR CONTRIBUTION & SUPPORT TO THE ROMANIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT (special award by Automotive Today)

    Over the past 30 years, Romania’s automotive industry has become one of the most important pillars of the national economy, contributing significantly to industrial production, exports and employment.

    Behind this development lies the need for collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, public authorities, universities and business organisations.

    A common voice and a platform for dialogue have been essential in representing the sector’s interests and supporting its long-term development.

    Through its activities, this association has brought together major companies in the automotive industry and facilitated dialogue with national and European authorities, contributing to the identification of challenges and development priorities.

    As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, it has once again highlighted the importance of collaboration in a sector that supports more than 220,000 jobs in Romania.

    Through three decades of representation, dialogue and advocacy for the automotive industry’s interests, the association has helped strengthen a strategic sector of Romania’s economy and establish the country as an important automotive manufacturing hub in Europe.

    For its consistent role in bringing the industry together and its major contribution to the development of Romania’s automotive ecosystem, this award goes to ACAROM.

    INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK AWARD (special award by Automotive Today)

    Half a century of automotive production in Craiova means five decades of experience, transformation and contribution to the development of Romanian industry.

    A landmark achievement along this journey was reaching the milestone of one million Ford Puma vehicles produced, confirming the important role of the Romanian plant within Ford’s European production network.

    Launched in 2019, the model became Ford’s best-selling passenger car in Europe, strengthening the reputation of production in Craiova across international markets.

    The model’s success also reflects the plant’s ability to keep pace with changes in the automotive industry.

    From conventional powertrains, the Ford Puma evolved to incorporate mild-hybrid technology, and in 2025 it entered a new chapter with the launch of the fully electric version, Puma Gen-E.

    As a result, the Craiova plant became Romania’s first manufacturer of fully electric passenger cars, contributing to the transition towards more sustainable mobility and the development of a modern industrial ecosystem.

    Beyond the figures and the success of an iconic model, this achievement is the result of the dedication of generations of employees who have contributed to the plant’s history and continue to support its performance.

    For 50 years of production in Craiova, reaching the milestone of one million Ford Puma units and contributing to the electrification of Romania’s automotive industry, this award goes to Ford Otosan Romania.

    AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS INTEGRATION AWARD (special award by Automotive Today)

    In an industry where development speed and integration capabilities make all the difference, this company has demonstrated how flexible software technology can be transformed into a complete solution tailored to the real needs of automotive customers.

    Through the BoLo Flash Bootloader project, the company successfully adapted and integrated a standardised software platform into a complex environment, aligning it with the existing architecture, the CAN ecosystem and the customer’s specific requirements, without compromising performance, stability or efficiency.

    The result was a robust, scalable solution, validated at the highest level by the customer, who particularly appreciated the quality of integration, technical performance, collaboration between teams and support provided throughout the implementation process.

    For its excellence in automotive software integration and its ability to turn technology into tangible value for customers, this award goes to NTT DATA Romania.

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