AvtoVAZ in Talks with Iran on Lada Supply and Cross-Border Collaboration
The head of the domestic carmaker, Maxim Sokolov, confirmed that AvtoVAZ is in discussions with Iran about the potential supply of Lada vehicles. The discussions, reported by RIA News, also touch on broader trade avenues, including the possible export of Iranian-made products to Russia. The talks reflect a growing interest in strengthening bilateral automotive and industrial ties between the two nations.
In a related vein, Manturov noted that conversations are ongoing regarding not only the export of Russian products to Iran but also opportunities for Iranian products to enter the Russian market. He mentioned an upcoming meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary in early April and participation in a congress hosted by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, underscoring an official push to broaden economic cooperation. This meeting aims to align industrial capabilities with strategic trade goals, potentially shaping a wider spectrum of joint ventures between the two countries.
Earlier, Najafi Manesh, chairman of the Iranian Spare Parts Association, stated that Iranian authorities are keen on forging an agreement with AvtoVAZ for joint car production. Tehran has not ruled out the possibility of co-manufacturing vehicles with Russia, signaling a willingness to explore manufacturing partnerships that could strengthen local supply chains and regional automotive manufacturing capacity. The ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation, Kazim Jalali, reiterated this openness to collaboration, highlighting a shared interest in potential joint production projects that could benefit both sides.
Additionally, prior reporting indicated that the Iranian automobile concern SAIPA has already signed a distribution agreement to supply cars to the Russian market, indicating a broader Iranian strategy to expand its presence in Russia through established distributors. This move complements ongoing discussions around joint production and the broader goal of integrating Iranian automotive products into the Russian distribution network.