With the restructuring of Persia Khodro into Persia Mobility Group, what impact has this transformation had on the company’s activities and the market?
With the creation of this group, Persia Khodro and other new businesses were organized under one larger brand. This change allows us to operate in various sectors, from production and sales and after-sales service to tuning, parts import and even providing complementary services and products. As a result, the new structure has enabled us to have access to a reliable supply chain and provide complete services to customers in multiple automotive areas.
What stage is the Nissan Terra launch project at and when can we see these cars on the country’s streets?
With two decades of experience in importing and providing after-sales services for luxury and prestigious cars, Persia Khodro gradually came to the conclusion that in order to continue its growth and meet the diverse needs of the Iranian market, it should also enter the field of domestic production. The economic conditions and import restrictions of recent years provided an opportunity for Persia Khodro to start a new path in the Iranian automotive industry by establishing the Manian Khodro production unit. The purpose of setting up this production unit was to reduce dependence on imports and use domestic capacities; so that Persia Khodro could increase its share in the country’s economic development and job creation while providing quality products.
Manian Khodro, as the production arm of Persia Mobility Group, has been established in Abiq County, Qazvin Province, on an area of over 48,000 square meters. This production unit, utilizing the most up-to-date equipment for vehicle production and assembly lines and a team of domestic experts, is currently considered one of the most advanced automobile production centers in the country.
The various facilities and departments of this factory include an assembly hall, a body preparation hall, equipment warehouses, and a vehicle test track, all of which are designed with the aim of producing quality vehicles in accordance with international standards.
One of the first products manufactured by Manian Khodro is the Nissan Terra SUV. Known in global markets as a family car that is simultaneously off-road and capable, this vehicle is considered a suitable option for the Iranian market due to the popularity of SUVs and its many capabilities for rough roads.
The Nissan Terra, with its four-wheel drive and independent chassis structure, is designed to be perfectly suited for nature tourism, long trips, and off-road routes. The vehicle’s engine power and structural strength also make it one of the most popular choices for young people and families interested in off-road vehicles.
The Nissan Terra production program at Manian Khodro has begun with the aim of widespread distribution to the domestic market, and the first series of these cars will reach customers soon. Manian Khodro’s production capacity is designed to allow the annual production of at least 10,000 Nissan Terra units, and in later stages, it will be possible to add other models to the production line.
Do you have any plans to produce other products besides the Nissan Terra at Manian Khodro?
Yes; Manian Khodro’s production line has the capacity to produce a variety of products and we have plans to produce new products. We are trying to expand and equip this production line to offer more products to the market in the future. Our main goal is to provide high-quality products that meet the needs of the market, and for this purpose, we are evaluating new products.
Explain Persia Khodro’s collaboration with Boniz automakers in the production of commercial vehicles.
Cooperation with the car manufacturers Boniz is one of the important steps of Persia Khodro in the field of commercial vehicle production. This factory was built in Fars province and the city of Shiraz and its main focus is on the production of light and heavy commercial vehicles. Boniz products have been launched in 6 and 8-ton truck models as a first step. In the next stages, Boniz also plans to produce heavy vehicles such as trucks and tractors. This cooperation is designed with the aim of providing quality commercial vehicles and economic development of the country.
Given Persia Khodro long history of importing BMW and Mini products, are there any plans to import new models of these brands?
Persia Khodro has always tried to import luxury and quality cars to the Iranian market by maintaining cooperation with reputable international brands. Currently, in view of the implementation of the car import plan for veterans, Persia Khodro, as the official supplier of BMW and Mini brands in Iran, has provided a special opportunity for dear veterans to import new models of these brands, and 11 models of these products are in our import program.
Focusing on providing dedicated facilities and services for veterans and honoring their loved ones, this plan allows them to choose from a variety of high-quality models from these brands.
The cars intended for veterans are divided into three price categories so that veterans can choose the right option based on their needs and budget. The first category includes cars priced at around 25,000 euros, the second category at 30,000 euros, and the third category at 35,000 euros. All models comply with the high safety and quality standards of the BMW and Mini brands and have modern features and luxury amenities that will satisfy customers.
In the project to import cars for distinguished veterans, Persia Khodro most important priority is to fulfill its social responsibility to the veterans’ loved ones, and it is providing services to distinguished veterans with a variety of models and methods of cooperation according to their wishes and desires.
Does Persia Khodro have any plans to import electric and hybrid cars from BMW or Mini brands or other brands into Iran?
Given the growing demand for new energy vehicles and changes in the global market, Persia Khodro also has plans to import electric and hybrid vehicles. Of course, this requires creating the necessary infrastructure and coordinating with regulatory bodies; but given the outlook for the automotive industry, we are looking to provide environmentally friendly options for Iranian customers and, if possible, will import new energy vehicles into the Iranian market. Currently, various electric models of BMW and Mini are considered as one of the import options for the general public, and the legal and technical stages of their introduction are underway.
What impact have the bans and restrictions on car imports had on Persia Khodro’s activities, and how did you adapt to these restrictions?
The restrictions on car imports have undoubtedly brought challenges; but Persia Khodro was able to turn these challenges into opportunities by expanding its business and creating new services. For example, we developed various departments, including after-sales services, tuning, and the supply of parts and industrial oils, so that we could meet the needs of customers without relying on imports. Also, by creating the Persia Mobility brand and investing in the production sector, we were able to maintain our position in the market and continue to grow.
What measures has Persia Khodro taken to improve the quality of after-sales service and spare parts supply?
After-sales service has always been one of our top priorities. Persia Khodro has been able to gain a reliable position among customers by expanding its network of dealerships throughout Iran and providing standard and quality services. We have plans to provide quality spare parts and service at dealerships for all our imported and assembled products.
This includes an extensive network of workshops and specialist teams that meet BMW and Mini standards and provide customers with the service they deserve. After-sales service for its new products will also be offered in the best possible conditions within this powerful network.
Also, based on the evidence seen in the country’s sales and after-sales service network, we are creating, developing, and expanding the Persia Premium network alongside the Persia Khodro network, both of which are organized under the Persia Mobility Group.
What plans do you have to expand the dealership network and improve the experience of Persia Khodro customers across Iran?
Expanding our dealer network is one of our key plans. We are increasing the number of dealers, especially in underserved areas, so that our services are available uniformly across the country. Also, updating our digital systems and optimizing customer service processes is another part of our efforts to enhance the customer experience. Our goal is to create greater accessibility and quality services for all buyers so that they can easily benefit from after-sales service and support.
What solutions do you have in mind to strengthen the position of the BMW and Mini brands in the minds of Iranian customers?
We are trying to strengthen the position of the BMW and Mini brands by providing specialized and high-quality after-sales services, as well as customer loyalty programs and special events. In addition, holding exhibition programs, test drives and special events for luxury car enthusiasts, collaborating with the media and introducing new products across the country will help to ensure that the BMW and Mini brands continue to be recognized as prestigious and luxurious brands in the minds of Iranian customers.
As the Chairman of the Board of Directors, how do you assess the competitive situation of the luxury car market in Iran and what suggestions do you have for developing this market?
The luxury car market in Iran is in a complicated situation due to import restrictions and sanctions. However, the demand for luxury and premium cars still exists and we believe that by creating a competitive environment, increasing the quality of after-sales service, and removing some import restrictions, this market can be developed.
Providing quality products and good after-sales service, along with a focus on customer needs, will allow us to expand the luxury car market and maintain our share in this segment. The people of our country deserve the best, and we must strive to provide them with the best.
