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Why Iran’s auto ambitions will benefit economy, not consumers

Iran appears focused on transforming itself into a regional car manufacturing hub in the coming years — but at what price?
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In February, Iran hosted an international auto show for the first time in 11 years. Some two dozen European, Asian and Iranian brands, including Iran’s longtime French partners Renault and Peugeot, took part in the Feb. 14-18 event. Many experts saw the exhibition, which was organized by Iranian and Chinese companies, as an invitation to both global carmakers looking for new markets and Iranian consumers looking for new global brands.

The Tehran Auto Show took place immediately after a two-day automotive conference at Tehran’s Milad Tower, where 400 global manufacturers of cars and car parts gathered to discuss new ways of cooperation. Iranian companies and foreign firms made at least six agreements on the sidelines of the conference, Aftab News reported.

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