MOSCOW: Two important Iranian automakers, Khodro and Saipa, are currently undergoing certification in Russia in preparation for upcoming vehicle deliveries, Omid Ghalibaf, a representative of the country's trade ministry, told RIA Novosti this week.
Besides saying that "these two models will be delivered to the Russian market," he revealed that SAIPA had signed an agreement with a Belarusian business to provide 45,000 Shaheen and Kwik model cars.
However, Ghalibaf did not specify whether the automaker would ship the vehicles directly to Russia or via Belarus, saying the matter needed to be clarified in the light of Western sanctions.
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Additionally, he emphasized that although no formal agreement has been reached between the Iranian and Russian automakers, talks are still ongoing and the vehicles are still awaiting certification.
The company [Khodro] sent one of its vehicles to Russia as a test for certification; After that, it will be in touch with Russian private businesses to sign supply agreements, the Iranian official continued.
A $300 million memorandum of understanding between Moscow and Tehran and Iran regarding the export of Iranian cars to Russia was signed last November. Both countries considered the possibility of cooperation in the production of automobiles.
Following the departure of major European, American and Japanese automakers, major Middle Eastern automakers are focusing on the Russian market.
Redesigned models from the Chinese Haima and Dongfeng brands have been put together by Khodro. According to information received from the manufacturers, other new models using Peugeot and Citroën as prototypes are on the way.
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Iran also began production of the Tara sedan, which is based on the Peugeot 301, last year.