Goagea indicated that, based on the current exchange rate, demand on the premium segment will exceed 10,000 cars this year, 33 percent higher than in 2007.

Automobile Bavaria representatives, the main BMW dealer in Romania, estimate that sales will be affected if the euro goes higher than RON 4.

“The reference price for BMW and Mini cars is expressed in euro. To date sales on the premium segment were not affected by fluctuations of the exchange rate, so we believe that a possible stabilizing of the European currency at RON 4 for an extended period of time will affect, albeit not decisively the level of sales,” said Automobile Bavaria representatives.

The delivery of Audi cars to the Romanian market could reach 3,500 units in 2008 if the exchange rate remains at its current level. Goagea says he expects higher sales following the launch of the new medium class A4 model next week.

Audi’s main competitors on the Romanian market are Mercedes-Benz, with 2.408 cars sold last year, and BMW Romania, with 2,727 units sold in 2007.

Porsche Romania is the top car importer on the Romanian market. It will invest over €60 million to expand its sales network by 30 units, up to 120 sales and service locations.

The group includes four companies: Porsche Leasing, Porsche Bank, Porsche Broker de Asigurare (insurance broker) and Porsche Mobility. Porsche Leasing estimates financing worth €250 million in 2008.