Beyond supplying Iranian automobiles to the Russian market, Tehran is considering the possibility of joint vehicle production with Russia. This was stated in an interview with Parliamentskaya Gazeta by Kazim Jalali, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation. The ambassador highlighted that discussions around co‑manufacturing are actively underway, though he did not provide a timeline for when a concrete project might materialize. The dialogue signals an interest in deepening industrial ties with Russia that go beyond mere exports and could involve shared assembly lines, technology transfer, and compliance with both nations’ automotive standards.
In recent statements, the Iranian side has underscored a growing openness to collaboration in the automotive sector. Jalali’s comments come amid a broader push by Tehran to expand its manufacturing footprint and leverage strategic relationships in Eurasia. While the ambassador refrained from committing to a specific production schedule, the emphasis was clear: joint production could become a feature of Iranian‑Russian economic engagement if negotiations reach the right level of detail and mutually beneficial terms.
In February 2023, Omid Ghalibaf, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade, noted that vehicles from Saipa and Iran Khodro had achieved certification readiness. He explained that Saipa had concluded a contract with a Belarusian partner to export 45,000 Shahin and Quick models, with these units slated for delivery to Russia as part of a broader distribution effort. This development reflects a strategic alignment where Iranian automakers aim to capitalize on regional demand while diversifying their export routes. The Belarusian agreement also indicates a willingness to use third‑country hubs to reach larger markets, potentially easing logistics and regulatory challenges for direct shipments to Russia.
Analysts and auto specialists have offered mixed assessments of Iran’s automotive capabilities in the context of international competition. One veteran auto expert, who has worked closely with industry assessments, pointed out that a common critique of Iranian vehicles remains their modernization lag relative to global standards. While progress has been made in certain segments, critics argue that continuous modernization, consistent quality control, and advanced engineering remain critical for broader acceptance in mature markets. Proponents, however, emphasize the rapid evolution of Iran’s automotive sector, supported by state investment in production facilities and an expanding supplier network. The current moment is seen as a pivot point where export strategies, potential joint production ventures, and domestic modernization plans all converge to shape Iran’s role as a regional automotive producer and exporter. The discussions suggest that even if full manufacturing collaboration takes time to finalize, the groundwork is being laid through certifications, partner agreements, and strategic storage and distribution plans that can adapt to shifting geopolitical and economic conditions. Overall, the dialogue reflects a pragmatic approach: pursue export diversification while remaining open to shared manufacturing models that could intensify collaboration with Russia in the automotive space.