SAIPA to start Renault Megane production this year

Managing director of SAIPA, which is the second largest Iranian automaker, said Saturday that his company may set up a Megane production line this year in its factory.

“We are now negotiating with Renault officials over the issue,” added Ghale’bani. The Iranian Renault Megane will be offered to the markets at a maximum of Rls.20m, he stated, “Megan has been Renault’s bestseller model all across Europe recently.”

Some 20,000 of this Xantia-size Renault car will be produced for the first phase if the agreement is reached, Ghale’bani uttered. The French side, Renault Pars, has also admitted its talks with SAIPA officials. Moreover, SAIPA is to start half-manufacturing of 300,000 L90 cars in the next Iranian year (to start March 20, 2006) within another contract with Renault Pars. The French company will provide the other half of the parts.

Ford Mondeo, Renault Megane and Volkswagen Concept C were the top bestseller cars in Europe last year.

SAIPA, which used to cooperate with Citroen Group, has now picked Renault Nissan as its major French partner. SAIPA set an output of 332,000 cars last year to stand next to Iran Khodro, which is regarded as the largest automotive company both in Iran and the Middle East. It also ranks 21st among world’s major carmakers.

ER/MA

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MNA