Iranian automotive manufacturers are signaling growing interest in entering the Russian market, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade has voiced its willingness to explore collaboration. State Secretary Albert Karimov conveyed this openness, underscoring that partnerships will be considered as solid proposals and concrete ideas from interested companies take shape. The public statements were relayed by TASS, emphasizing a climate of readiness to partner with foreign firms when feasible opportunities arise.
In relation to specific models proposed for export to Russia, Iran has named two candidates that have already attracted attention. The Tara, which represents the Iran Khodro brand, and the Shahin, produced by SAIPA, were showcased at the Moscow fair. These vehicles have drawn interest from Russian buyers and industry observers following the event.
Najafi Manesh, who chairs the board of directors of Iran Spare Parts Production Association, confirmed the information in an interview with RIA Novosti. Manesh also indicated that cooperation with Moscow on heavy transport vehicles is being actively considered as part of broader collaboration prospects between the two nations.
A notable point raised by Manesh concerns the durability of Iranian automobiles in extreme weather. He noted that Iranian-made cars undergo testing to assess performance under harsh climate conditions and asserted that these vehicles are capable of withstanding temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius within Russian territories. This claim highlights a focus on reliability and adaptability to Russia’s winter environment as part of the export strategy.
The dialogue surrounding potential exports and joint ventures reflects a broader interest among Iranian manufacturers to diversify markets and form strategic alliances with Russia. The discussed models and the emphasis on weather resilience illustrate a dual objective: expanding international presence while ensuring that the products meet local conditions and regulatory expectations. As cooperation discussions progress, stakeholders from both sides are expected to evaluate technical specifications, certification procedures, and logistical arrangements necessary to facilitate smooth entry into the Russian market. The emphasis on weather testing and robust performance suggests that Iranian automakers aim to position Tara and Shahin as capable options for Russian fleets and consumer segments, potentially prompting further dialogue on supply chains, maintenance networks, and aftersales support across key Russian regions.