A new Dacia model has been presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017

This year’s edition  was defined by new SUVs, by several technological novelties in the field of NOx emissions and autonomous mobility, but also by the absence of established brands like the Alfa Romeo, DS, Fiat, Infiniti, Jeep, Nissan, Peugeot, Mitsubishi and Volvo.

The Romanian Dacia takes a major step forward in renewing its supply, with the launch of the new Duster, a modern, attractive looking SUV. The car is equipped with a broad range of equipment previously not available for this Dacia model, from the keyless access system to a 4-camera system, automatic temperature control, automatic headlight activation and dead angle monitoring. The general manager of Renault Commercial Roumanie, Hakim Boutehra, explained.

Hakim Boutehra: “After years of profitable history with the Duster, the time has come to completely renew it, and this new generation model brings interesting things, both on the inside, and on the outside. Looking back at the sales figures for the old model, we see that we have created a product that has been highly appreciated for its usefulness, reliability, SUV aspect and equipment. This is precisely why we are bringing new equipment in, to turn the model into something a lot more attractive, and obviously we hope it will continue to be the leader of its segment and to enjoy the same success.”

Over the 7 years since the launch of the first-generation Duster, Dacia has sold over a million cars in 44 countries, which makes it the best-selling Dacia model of all times. Last year, Automobile Dacia reported 4.6 billion euros in turnover, up 8.35% since 2015.

The increase was triggered by the growing demand for the Duster, which encouraged production, company officials have explained. In 2016, Dacia sold 190,779 Dusters, as compared to 170,321 sold in 2015. Sales grew both in the Romanian market and abroad, with exports both to the European market and to countries in Africa and Asia. According to the car-maker experts, 90% of its turnover is to be accounted for by exports this year as well.

Biofuel is one of the “cleanest” forms of energy if we consider the problem of storing the animal and vegetal waste faced by farmers, so biofuel heating systems are a solution. There is already considerable potential at European level to increase the production of biofuel based on the activities in the animal-breeding field. Such technologies have started to appear in Romania as well, thus solving the problem with waste and leading to a reduction in electricity costs. The town of Seini in Maramures, for example, has joined the ranks of modern European towns following the inauguration of a biofuel station. The electricity obtained exceeds four times the local needs. What’s important, however, is that residents are thus rid of the waste caused by farms, which are managed according to ecological criteria. Octavian Badea, the deputy mayor of Seini explains.

Octavian Badea: “The station basically runs on waste, which is a big problem for farmers and the environment. There will be less pollution to the environment and a significantly lower amount of nutrients in the soil. The building of the station also has an economic effect in that it injects 2,900,000 kilowatts per year into the national energy system. The third effect can be seen at a social level, leading to the creation of new jobs. Waste is a big problem for the people in the area. Before serving in the local administration, I worked as the head of an animal-breeding complex and I’m very much aware of the problem. Waste must be removed from the farms very soon after it is produced because it can make animals sick. This is why the plant has been approved by the environment ministry, because our town is vulnerable to nutrient pollution.”

Moving on to a different subject, the biggest producer of crude oil and gas in south-eastern Europe, OMV Petrom has announced plans to invest 70 million euros per month in a new drilling campaign in the Black Sea. Four new rigs will be explored: two by the end of the year and another two by mid 2018.

Rigging will go down to depths of 2,000 m below sea level within the Istria perimeter. Drilling began in the Black Sea in 1970, while hydrocarbons were first discovered in 1980 and the first offshore production began in 1987. At the moment, OMV 0Petrom is carrying out exploitation, development and production activities in shallow waters in the Istria perimeter and exploitation activities in partnership with ExxonMobil in the deep waters in the Neptun Deep perimeter. Only shallow water deposits have been exploited in the last 20 years, while the exploitation of deep-water deposits began 7 or 8 years ago.