Dacia officials, whether they are part of the company's top management team or are among the brand's dealers, unanimously say that orders for the carmaker's new model, the Logan, have exceeded all expectations.
These statements are solidly supported by figures. More than 13,500 orders have been registered for the new car, worth almost 100 million euros. Moreover, thousands of other potential buyers tested the Logan at the end of last week.
"The number of orders received so far has exceeded all expectations. We have 13,500 orders and I am absolutely certain that we will count more than 15,000 units by the end of the year," said Constantin Stroe, Dacia vice-president. Other Dacia officials are even more optimistic, estimating the number of orders to surge to 18,000 by yearend.
Early this year, Constantin Stroe was expecting 10,000-11,000 orders for the Logan model.
However, the soaring numbers of orders may also create problems for the Pitesti-based company. "We have increased the production pace to 240 cars daily and we are now doing our best so that the waiting period for a new car should not exceed 60 days," Stroe added. In other words, in case the orders keep pouring in, those registering for a Logan automobile this autumn may only get it towards the end of 2004 or even early next year.
Four versions of the Dacia Logan can be ordered at this point - Ambiance, Preference, Laureate and Ambition, equipped with 1.4l (75hp) and 1.6l (90hp) gasoline engines.
To avoid competition with the Solenza model, the 5,000 Logan will only be launched as late as next year, when the 1.5l diesel engine variant will also appear. In the meantime, the Solenza will be better positioned and its price will go down, to avoid a clash between the two models.
Logan prices range between 5,700 euros an
