Dacia has stopped work on its planned third compact model, signaling a shift in priorities. Instead of adding another petrol-powered SUV, the Romanian automaker is focusing on electric vehicles and plans to launch four new EVs before 2030.
This shift comes as Dacia’s position in the European C-segment is stronger than ever. Launched in 2024, the Dacia Bigster quickly became Europe’s best-selling C-segment SUV during the second half of last year. Its sibling, the Dacia Striker, followed with a longer, more aerodynamic body aimed at families seeking a different kind of crossover. Together, the models have helped Dacia secure a solid share in one of Europe’s most competitive markets. Information from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Dacia's market share in Europe rose to over 4% in 2023, its highest level in the brand's history.
Despite this momentum, Dacia’s leadership has decided to halt the rollout of a third compact model originally planned for next year. CEO Katrin Adt explained: “We have a very successful entry with the Bigster, we see the potential of the Striker and currently we have no other plans.” She said the company is now focused on the next generation of the Dacia Sandero and other electrification projects, leaving no room for another mid-size petrol SUV in the near future.
The pause stems from the high cost of developing combustion and electric models at the same time, not competition between the Bigster and Striker. Even with support from Renault Group, Dacia can’t spread its engineering and financial resources across so many projects. The push for electrification means making tough choices. For now, the third C-segment model is on hold. Industry analysts at JATO Dynamics note that the European market for electric vehicles grew by 14% in 2023, with affordable EVs like the Dacia Spring helping attract new buyers. They expect this trend to accelerate as EU emissions regulations tighten further by 2025, increasing pressure on automakers to expand their electric offerings.
There was speculation about what this third model might have been. Some insiders suggested a sleeker version of the Bigster to compete with the Peugeot 3008, while others pointed to a lower Striker variant aimed at the Skoda Octavia. With the project shelved, those ideas remain concepts.
Dacia’s next major launch will be the new generation Sandero, available in petrol and electric versions. The petrol Sandero is expected to retain the CMF-B platform from the Renault Clio, while the electric version will use the RG-EV architecture shared with the Renault 5 E-Tech. The second-generation Dacia Spring, once the cheapest electric car on the market, is also in development as part of the brand’s four-EV plan.
For Dacia, the move toward electrification responds to regulations and reflects where the company thinks the European market is heading. The company expects C-segment SUVs to make up a third of its sales by 2030, but future growth will depend on affordable electric options rather than adding more petrol models. Other automakers face similar choices, as shown by the Seat brand’s recent situation during Volkswagen’s own electric transition.
Dacia’s decision to pause its third compact model is a practical response to industry realities. The brand is building on its SUV success while directing its efforts toward electrification, rather than risking spreading itself too thin. With resources limited and the market changing, Dacia is betting that this focus will keep it competitive.
