TEHRAN – Tehran and Moscow have discussed cooperation in the joint production of automobiles and auto parts in a meeting between Iranian Deputy Industry Minister Manuchehr Manteghi and Head of Russia’s Central Scientific Research Institute of Automobile and Automotive Engines (NAMI) Fyodor Nazarov, IRNA reported.

In this meeting, which was attended by the managers of Iran’s major carmakers Iran Khodro Company (IKCO) and SAIPA Group, the two sides explored avenues of cooperation between the Iranian automakers with NAMI for the implementation of the Russian institute’s standards on Iranian products.

Reducing costs for the export of IKCO and SAIPA products to Russia and taking the necessary measures to create competitive opportunities in the Russian market for Iranian products were also among the subjects discussed in the meeting.

Speaking in this gathering, Nazarov pointed out that Iran's automotive market and automotive industry are progressing significantly and there is a good potential for bilateral cooperation in this field.

“The NAMI institute has 115 kilometers of test lines for all types of cars, 3000 testing and measurement equipment for auto parts, and 40 different routes to perform different car tests,” the official said.

He further emphasized that his institute is ready for joint cooperation with Iranian companies, including SAIPA and IKCO in the fields of science, car design, car testing, etc.

“The tests of cars and car parts of the NAMI Institute of Russia are approved by all the centers that have a contract with this company all over the world,” he added.

Manteghi for his part called for the establishment of a representative office of the NAMI Institute in Tehran to conduct tests on Iran-made automobiles and auto parts.

The managers of IKCO and SAIPA companies also made some proposals for joint cooperation with the Russian institute.

EF/