Iran Khodro's Peugeot 2008 Presale Expected

Sources familiar with the workings of Iran Khodro Group say the company is about to start presale of the long-awaited Peugeot 2008 crossover model.

According to local automotive news outlets, the cars are due to be delivered in September but the idea seems a bit far-fetched since the data released by the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade indicate that during the first two months of the current calendar year (started March 20) only four units of the model were produced inside the country.

During the launching ceremony of Peugeot 2008 production line on April 27, IKCO officials said the company plans to make 30,000 units of the model annually.

Another issue is the price of the French car, rumored at 989 million rials ($26,400), while the same model is priced far lower at $16,500 in the international markets.

Local media had quoted IKCO chief Hashem Yekkezare at the launching ceremony as putting the car’s price at around 750 million rials ($20,000). He later denied the media reports.  According to current IKCO rules, the company may receive up to 50% of the car’s price in presale and will have to pay ‘Mosharekah’ partnership interest that is 23%.