Iran November 2013: Peugeot 405 new best-seller?

Peugeot Pars

* See the Top 20 most produced models by clicking on the title! *

As is the tradition on BSCB, I can share with you local Iranian production figures as sales data remains unavailable. For now this is a pretty accurate picture of what cars are the most popular in the country as imports are limited, however this situation may change if and when economic sanctions against Iran relax. November 2013 is roughly equivalent to Aban, the 8th month of the year 1392 in the Persian calendar. After gaining 20% year-on-year in September and dropping by 5% last month, Iranian production is back into recession at -16% in November to 50,689 units, bringing the year-to-date total after 8 months to 361,097 units, down 30% on the Persian year 1391 which was already down 46% on 1390.

Lifan X60

Plus we may also be witnessing a historical change of lead in the models ranking… This month ‘eternal’ leader the Saipa Pride is produced at 15,389 units, down 32% year-on-year, while the Peugeot Pars, illustrating the return back in grace of Peugeot in the country, is up 111% to 11,145 units, its third consecutive month above 10,000 units whereas this had not happened in the last 3 years… The Peugeot 405 for its part is up 11% to 5,608 sales. Now when we take into account the Pars is only a slightly modified version of the 405, it is fair to say that the Peugeot 405 “family” has been produced at 16,753 units and is therefore the most popular model in the country for the first time in years.

JAC J3

In the meantime, more and more Chinese models are populating the ranking: the Lifan X60 which made its very first appearance in the Iranian ranking at #10 last month is up a further two spots to #8 and 1,022 units, followed by the Lifan 620 also up 2 to #9 and 646, while the Gonow Aoseed G5 is up one to #19. We welcome the JAC J3 at #15 with 61 units and the J5 at #20 with 4. Finally, Renault has all but stopped its operations in Iran, with the Tondar 90 (aka Dacia Logan) down 93% to #15.

Previous month: Iran October 2013: Lifan X60 lands in Top 10, Gonow G5 arrives

One year ago: Iran November 2012: Renault Tondar 90 and Lifan 620 shine

Full November 2013 Top 20 models Ranking Table below.