Iranian cars Iran Khodro and SaipaShahin are expected in Russia in 2023

Iranian automakers are preparing to enter the Russian market. So, for example, it is expected that Iran Khodro and SaipaShahin will reach our country. The start of sales of some models in Russia is scheduled for the spring of 2023.

“To be honest, these are generally outdated cars, the quality of which leaves much to be desired. But they can't be very cheap. And how much exactly they can cost - depends on the model. In any case, the cheapest Iranian car will not be cheaper than LADA Granta (from 678.3 thousand rubles - Ed. note). Such cars will find their buyer, since there is a shortage of affordable cars on the market now,” said Sergei Tsyganov, columnist for the Drome automobile website.

In turn, the editor-in-chief of Radio Avtodor, Igor Morzharetto, notes that if you try to import Iranian cars into our country, they will turn out to be significantly more expensive than in your home market (due to customs duties, VAT, and recycling fees). Success (especially in the absence of competitors) can only be if Iran Khodro or another company decides to assemble cars in Russia and can receive government support and compensation under a special investment contract (SPIC).

“Given that not the most modern cars are produced in Iran, they have little chance of occupying a large market share in our country. After all, the Russian consumer chooses, first of all, outwardly attractive cars. And brand reputation. For Iranian cars, these parameters are not in the first place. In terms of positioning, they can be traded in the niche of cheap sedans, which are popular among the corporate fleets and are now sorely lacking,” says Alexei Makarov, Director for Development and Corporate Governance at Nizhegorodets.