Iran Khodro to mass-produce Runna

Iran Khodro (IKCO), the leading auto-manufacturer in the Middle East, has announced readiness for the mass-production of a new economy car.

The Iranian automaker announced on Saturday that it has prepared the production line for the new low-cost vehicle, known as Runna, and will produce at least 15,000 units of it by the end of the Iranian calendar year (ending March 20).

IKCO also seeks to increase Runna’s production to around 150,000 units per annum, 25 percent of which will be slated to hit overseas markets.

With its 1.6-liter engine, the passenger car is said to be the first of its kind to meet Euro IV and V emission standards, which were respectively issued for 2005 and 2008.

According to IKCO, the company’s domestic market share increased from 46.5 percent in 2008 to 48.8 percent in 2009 and 49.5 percent in 2010.

There has also been a leap in the sales from 558,304 cars in 2008 to 643,455 cars in 2009. The auto company sold about 765,468 cars in 2010.

Iraq was the biggest market for IKCO cars, particularly Samand sedan.

Syria and Venezuela were second and third, buying 2,481 and 1,873 of IKCO cars respectively.