Iran July 2011: Iran Khodro Tondar 90 & Samand shine UPDATED

Iran street scene. Picture: Afshin Khaledi

* Now updated with the Top 10 best-selling imported cars thanks to Afshin Khaledi! *

I can now share with you on top of the most produced car in Iran a Top 10 of the best-selling imported models in the country. The figures are very small compared to production figures but nevertheless very insightful. Korean cars seem to have a near monopoly on imports, with the Hyundai Sonata YF (latest generation) on top with 1,147 units which would get it an impressive 8th place overall. It is followed by the Kia Sportage at 563 units and the Hyundai ix55 at 556 sales. See ‘Read more’ at end of post for the full Top 10.

Iran Khodro Tondar 90 – none other than a 1st generation Dacia Logan

Thanks to the Iran Vehicles Manufacturers Association (IVMA) I can share with you the latest Iranian production figures by model. Total production for July was up 1% year-on-year at 117,908 units and up 2% year-to-date at 438,102. Rumours that production of the iconic Saipa Pride stopped recently are untrue: 53,329 units came out of the Iran Khodro factory last month, up 8% year-on-year, and 197,406 units in the last 4 months!

Iran Khodro Samand

The 24 year-old Peugeot 405 also stays solid in 2nd place at 26,978 units, down 11% year-on-year. Excellent performance of the Iran Khodro Samand, up 16% to 3rd place and 13,302 units, passing the Peugeot 206 at 9,157 units (-29%). The Iran Khodro Tondar 90 (aka Dacia Logan) also impresses with figures up a massive 119% year-on-year at 7,697 units this month. Year-to-date it is up 84% at 23,419 units.

Saipa Tiba

Lastly, the Saipa Tiba, destined to replace the Pride in the long term, continues its slow but steady gearing up: from 1,059 units in April to 2,151 in May, 2,912 in June and 3,105 in July. Still a long way to go to catch up on the 50,000+ monthly units of the Pride! Also notice the Mazda2 breaking into the Top 10 at #9 with 697 units.

Previous post: see the May 2011 Iran Top 10 best-selling models here.

Full July 2011 Top 10 Ranking Table below.