Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 14
By Rahim Zamanov - Trend:
Iran significantly decreased production of two models of Renault automobiles in the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21, 2013), Fars News Agency reported on Jan. 14.
Iran Khodro manufactured 380 Tondar 90s in the ninth calendar month (November 23 - December 22), which is 86.9 percent less than the same month previous year.
Production of the Tondar 90 in Pars Khodro also faced a 76.3 per cent decrease in the mentioned month, compared to the previous year's figure.
Pars Khodro also produced 95 Megane sedans in the ninth calendar month, which is 79.6 per cent less than the previous year.
Pars Khodro totally produced 12,621 Renault models in the first three quarters of the current year, which is 71.8 percent last than the same period of time last year.
The recent deal between Iran and the world powers in Geneva has paved the way for the importation of spare parts for foreign brands' products.
French carmakers Peugeot and Renault look to be among the clearest beneficiaries of the interim deal that lifted some sanctions on Iran, with both hoping to leap back into the Middle East's biggest auto market.
PSA Peugeot Citroen was the top car manufacturer in Iran before sanctions, selling 458,000 vehicles in 2011 in what used to be its second biggest market worldwide after France. Its cars, most of them assembled by an Iranian partner firm and re-branded, are abundant on Tehran roads.
Renault sold 103,000 vehicles there last year before leaving.
Edited by C.N.