Moldova is an emerging automotive hub in Europe
Although the Republic of Moldova is not yet a car manufacturing country, it plays an important role in the world automotive industry. Internationally known prefer to locate themselves in Moldova’s Free Economic Zones (FEZ), which represents an excellent location for industrial development and production relocation oriented for exports. Production concentrates on cables, wiring harnesses for cars, seat and car covers, steering wheels, injection molding, metal processing, electronics, electronic components and systems. This production is executed in Tier 1, 2, and 3 supplier plants, as well as local subcontractor companies.
The industry is well integrated within global supply chains, as the main investors are well known international companies: Lear Corporation, Dräxlmaier Automotive, Gebauer & Griller, Sammy Cablaggi / Kablem, Elektromanufacturing / SUMIDA, Confezioni Andrea Carcover, SEBN Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze, Fujikura Automotive, Coroplast Fritz Mueller, Trox, Blacksea EMS, Dräxlmaier DSM , Arobs Software, Whetec/ MG2C, Multico / Quality Hub, Conteyor, Magnetec and Equip-Test.
Automotive components made in Moldova are delivered to the largest producers of cars and trucks including such giants as Ford, Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Volkswagen, Škoda.
During the period before the beginning of this century the country had been a major manufacturer of TV sets, washing machines, refrigerators, tractors, electric pumps, agricultural hardware, the biggest part of which - 90% - used to be exported in around 60 states, especially the former Soviet republics and East European countries. Domestic universities have continued the higher technical training courses, preserving the industrial tradition and vast experience in machine building and hardware construction. Thus, the Republic of Moldova has been a natural choice as a field for the fabrication of automotive items and has managed to integrate into globak value chains.
Nowadays, the automotive industry is a key growing sector for the Moldovan economy. This is due to an increased focus on the unused industrial potential of Moldova and the maintained industrial orientation in the education system (Technical University, technical colleges and vocational schools).