- Due to the tightening of US restrictions on Iran’s automotive industry, production fell in this country from 1 600 000 vehicles in 2011 down to 800,000 in 2013 (see previous analyses of Inovev).
- Even before the relaxation of the restrictions which have been promised by Americans within the frame of the 24 November agreement on the nuclear industry, Iran had announced that it invited major foreign automakers to launch or resume production on its territory.
- Renault and PSA could therefore return to Iran next year if all conditions are met. The two French manufacturers have lost production of 500,000 vehicles in 2013 compared to 2011 ( 100,000 for Renault and 400,000 for PSA ).
It is therefore worth for them to return to this market as quickly as possible.
- Other carmakers may also be interested in the potential of this market which has grown from 1 million to 1.6 million vehicles from 2005 to 2011, an increase of 100,000 units each year for six years, including Japanese, Korean and Chinese manufacturers,
(Chinese carmakers have already significantly developed their sales in the near-by Africa). Currently only the Hyundai- Kia Group, through its partnership with the second Iranian manufacturer SAIPA, continues its production in Iran, by the side of Khodro, first Iranian manufacturer.