Iran bans import of French cars

According to Iran’s semi-official news agency Tesnim, the importation of French cars has been banned.

Industry, Mining and Trade Ministry spokesman Omid Kalibaf said the decision was made “in response to unprofessional behaviour” by French automakers in previous years.

“We did not issue any licenses for the importation of French cars during this period. Our focus on car imports is only non-Japanese, Korean, Chinese and French European cars.”

“Iran will not allow them (the French) to put pressure on the Iranian auto industry and the market with sanctions,” the spokesman said.

ACTIVITY OF MANUFACTURERS STOPPED DUE TO SANCTIONS

Iranian car manufacturers like “Iran Khodro” and “Saipa” mostly co-produced with French companies like Peugeot, Renault and Citroen. Sanctions imposed by the US in 2018 also targeted the auto industry, one of Iran’s largest areas of employment.

Foreign companies, particularly French automakers such as Peugeot, Renault and Citroen, had halted their activities in Iran due to sweeping unilateral US sanctions. Therefore, Iran, which faced problems in the supply of parts, resorted to internal solutions. (AA)