Iran Khodro Industrial Group (IKCO) says it has raised the daily number of cars it manufactures in Iraq to 50 and that the figure will climb to around 100 as it plans to increase the shifts its personnel work at the request of the Iraqi side.
In the 348th issue of its weekly Irankhodro Auto Magazine (on October 4), the leading car manufacturer quoted Ali Elmi, the deputy head of Iran Khodro for exports, as saying that Iran Khodro produces a variety of cars such as Runna, Samand, Soren, Peugeot Pars and Peugeot 405 in Iraq.
He went on to say that a group of IKCO’s well-experienced engineers are based in a factory in Iskandariya, central Iraq, to monitor the production process and quality of the cars.
He also praised the high quality of Iran Khodro’s automobiles and proper distribution of its after-sale outlets in different Iraqi cities for the willingness the Iraqis display to purchase IKCO cars.
Recalling the failure of foreign carmakers, including those of China, in the Iraqi market, he said the fact that Iran and Iraq share borders is a good opportunity for Iranian carmakers to upstage their rivals in the Iraqi market.
A drop in transportation fees and supply of spare parts in the shortest time possible are also among reasons as to why the Iraqis are more inclined to buy cars from Iran, he concluded.