Iran Auto Production Showing Growth Signs + Output Tables

A total of 820,463 cars were manufactured in Iran during the first eight months of the current fiscal year that started in March, according to a report from the Auto Manufacturers Association.

The report said a year-on-year comparison shows production grew by 35.9% over the period, according to Tasnim News Agency.

According to the association, 759,871 passenger vehicles, 52,129 pickups, 494 minibuses, 616 buses and 7,353 heavy duty vehicles were produced during the eight months.

Passenger vehicle production was up 37.2% and led its industry peers.

Heavy vehicle output increased 4.5% but had the lowest growth among the automotive sector.

There also was a close race between pickup trucks and buses with the former rising 23.5% and the latter up 25.5% since March.

Iran Khodro, the biggest car manufacturer, is still dominant in the number of units produced. The company manufactured 391,025 cars during the first eight months -- a 30.8% year-on-year rise.

SAIPA, another semi-state-owned company, produced 309,905 cars during the period through its widespread network of subsidiaries. 

This was a 56.2% y/y growth denoting a wider shift in its models offered.

SAIPA’s figures show that the company is looking to boost its operations to rival IKCO. 

Modiran Vehicle Manufacturing (MVM) pushed aside the remaining automotive companies to claim third place with 33,166 units in the 8-month period.

MVM, which produces Chery models locally, recorded the highest growth rate in the sector, marking a 59.4% rise y/y. 

Also during the period three production lines were halted, namely Diar Khodro that produced Great Wall vehicles and Morattab Khodro, which used to create copies of Land Rover Defenders and pickup trucks.