Despite the crisis facing Iran's car industry, the country aims to produce three million cars annually as part of a 10-year Vision Plan, a third of which will be exported, according to the minister of industries, mining and trade.
Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh added that the domestic car industry has the capacity to produce 1.5 million to 1.6 million cars annually and all cars comply with the national standards, IRNA reported.
Nematzadeh said if a car does not meet the standards set in the country, it will not receive a license-plate.
"We are trying to elevate the standards to Euro 3 and 4 for now, and ideally to Euro 5 and 6 in future, if the required fuel is provided," he said.
Local carmakers are currently in talks with the world's major manufacturers to produce their cars in the country. Iran's main condition is that these companies facilitate the export of 30% of the domestic output. Nematzadeh said, "We produce most of the car parts we need locally and the key to boosting the market is producing automatic cars, energy-efficient engines, advanced electronic parts and, in other words, high-quality cars."
To be able to address the complaints of customers, a unit has been set up in the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade. It will convey the complaints to carmakers to rectify the problems.
Saipa, Largest Iranian Auto Exporter
Saipa, the second largest Iranian auto manufacturer, is currently the top exporter of vehicles in the country and holds 80% of the domestic auto export market share.
Mehdi Jamali, CEO at Saipa, said, "In the first half of the current Iranian year (started March 21), 18,000 Prides and Tibas were exported to Saipa's five main export destinations. This figure will amount to 45,000 by the yearend."
He said 1,500 to 1,700 cars are produced daily in this company and "in the next three months, we will increase this to 2,000 cars daily".
Jamali claimed that despite attempts to impede local production, the company has succeeded in managing the current situation by producing new models.
"Sales in Saipa are back to normal from the previous decline in recent years due to sanctions," he said.
An online campaign is underway against domestic cars, demanding efforts to reduce their prices and boost quality. The campaign has led to a decline in car production and sales.
