HORSE Launches Production of High-Efficiency 1.2-Litre HR12 Engines in Romania
**HORSE Begins Manufacturing Efficient 1.2-Litre HR12 Engine in Mioveni, Romania**
HORSE, a global leader in innovative and low-emission powertrain systems, has commenced the manufacturing and assembly its highly efficient 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (HR12) at its Mioveni plant in Romania today.
The HR12 is the most efficient and powerful engine in HORSE's portfolio. It powers several vehicles, including hybrids. The new production in Mioveni boosts HORSE’s global capacity, with these engines set to be installed in the latest Dacia Duster models. Meanwhile, the HORSE Valladolid factory in Spain will continue producing the engine for Renault Austral and Espace models.
HORSE CEO Patrice Haettel commented, “We have initiated HR12 engine production at our Romania factory, expanding upon our ongoing assembly in Valladolid, Spain. This strategy enhances our scale and competitiveness by keeping us close to key markets. This manufacturing agreement benefits HORSE, the Mioveni plant, and the market overall.”
HORSE Romania will handle on-site assembly of the HR12 engine, including casting cylinder blocks in its aluminium foundry, the largest in Romania within the HORSE network.
HORSE has heavily invested in the Mioveni facility to support HR12 production. Over 75% of existing workstations have been upgraded, and 24 new workstations have been added. This enables the production lifecycle – casting and finishing cylinder blocks – to be managed in-house.
HORSE also upgraded Mioveni with advanced testing and quality assurance capabilities, including a helium leak testing system, a CT scanner for cylinder blocks, and high-pressure washing and drying machines.
These investments position HORSE to produce 450,000 engines annually at Mioveni. Additionally, 18% of the production will be exported outside the EU to HORSE’s Bursa plant in Turkey.
The HR12, a highly efficient 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine, meets various product needs with a maximum power output of 96Kw at 4,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 230Nm at 1,800 rpm. Compliant with EU6D-Full regulations and designed for future Euro7 regulations, the HR12 boasts state-of-the-art thermal management technologies such as water-charged air coolers, low-pressure cooled exhaust gas recirculation, and a long-stroke layout for enhanced fuel economy.
HORSE's mission is to deliver highly efficient, low-emission engines, transmissions, and technologies to meet global power generation needs. Operating eight production plants across seven countries, with three R&D centres and a head office in Madrid, Spain, HORSE produces 3.2 million units annually for customers worldwide.