Automaker: Ford halts production in Romania due to holidays

Ford has temporarily halted its production in Romania during the summer holidays, not due to looming power shortages, according to a spokesperson from the company in Cologne. The company clarified this stance in response to comments made by Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who had earlier claimed that automakers, including Ford, would temporarily suspend production in the country due to the energy crisis after a crisis meeting with large electricity consumers.

Bolojan had further stated that other companies would follow suit. However, the fact remains that the production is currently halted due to the regular summer holidays, which run from August 1 to August 19. Ford's European branch in Cologne confirmed that there is no production taking place during this period. Similarly, Ford's factories in Germany also observe regular factory holidays.

In Romania, there is a severe power crisis caused by drought and high temperatures. One of the two reactors at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant has been shut down due to insufficient cooling water, and the other reactor faces the risk of shutdown. Additionally, hydroelectric power plants are generating less electricity due to lower river levels in the Danube, which is under threat of shutting down as well.

The government has called on the industry, municipalities, and citizens to conserve electricity. The crisis in Romania is causing temporary halts in the automobile production.