aro

A brief history about aro: Tough, rugged, and built for adventure—the IMS 57 was Romania’s first big step into the world of 4x4 vehicles, marking the beginning of ARO’s off-road legacy. Just two years after its debut, ARO introduced the M59, an upgraded version of the IMS 57 with slight improvements. But it wasn’t until 1964, after three years of research and development, that the legendary ARO M461 rolled off the production line.

This big-wheeled beast was a milestone for the Romanian automotive industry, becoming the first ARO model exported abroad. In 1965, 502 units made their way to China, marking ARO’s global debut. But instead of capitalizing on this success, ARO took an unexpected seven-year break from developing new models—an unusual move for a growing automaker.

Then came 1972, bringing an end to ARO’s hiatus with the launch of the ARO 24 series—a lineup of five fresh off-road models. These remained popular until the 1980s when ARO introduced the compact and capable ARO 10 series, offering a smaller, more versatile alternative.

By 1988, ARO engineers finally developed their first diesel engine, the L27, followed by an improved gasoline engine in 1989, just months before the fall of Romania’s communist regime. However, political and economic turmoil in the 1990s left ARO in a state of uncertainty, struggling with ownership disputes and financial instability.

Despite the challenges, ARO pushed forward and launched the ARO 10 Spartana in 1997—a model designed to keep the brand alive. That same year, in a surprising turn, ARO engineers drew inspiration from Japanese design and developed the military-grade Dragon range after, as the story goes, a few plates of sushi and plenty of sake!

As the 2000s rolled in, ARO shifted focus toward utility vehicles, hoping to secure a stable market. However, despite its strategic efforts, the company faced severe financial struggles, lack of investment, and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in the following years.

Though not as well-known as some European brands, ARO produced around 380,000 vehicles over its 45-year lifespan, with two-thirds exported to over 110 countries, including Spain and Portugal. And here’s a fun fact many might not know: ARO—not Dacia—built the fastest Romanian car of its time, powered by a Ford Cosworth V6 engine with 180 horsepower, capable of reaching nearly 120 mph!

While ARO is now a part of automotive history, its legacy as Romania’s original off-road pioneer lives on. The brand’s rugged, go-anywhere spirit still resonates with off-road enthusiasts and collectors worldwide!