Iran to Get New Chinese Taxis

Automotive giant Iran Khodro has imported several units of the S30 sedan produced by Chinese Dongfeng Motor Corporation, as part of a test drive.

IKCO first showcased the model painted in the yellow taxi color during the Tehran Auto Show in February, according to Financial Tribune's reporter who visited the exhibition.

The Dongfeng S30 will be used in the taxi fleet to begin with, the company said as per reports by 'Asbe Bokhar.'

The model has to compete with SAIPA’s locally produced Ario which already is used in the local taxi fleet since the past year.

The Dongfeng S30 will be priced about 450 million rials ($12,000) falling in the same price range as Ario which is priced 470 million rials ($15,500).

The Chinese model will also have to compete with the recently unveiled Dena Plus with a price tag of 460 million rials ($12,200).

The company has not yet said if it will release the vehicle for general sale, as it falls in the same price range and category as the Dena and Dena+ sedan designed by IKCO.

The S30 sedan originally released in 2009 in the Chinese market has a 1.6 liter gasoline engine, with a range of automatic and manual transmissions.

According to China Auto Web, the car has a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers, and emissions meet Euro4 standards.

Unlike other countries, Iran's taxi companies choose regular sedan models as their vehicle of choice. In recent years, New York and London have opted for larger van-based vehicles with more room and accessibility for customers.