Industry minister says 70,000 to 75,000 imported cars, mostly economy models, have been allocated

According to the IRIB news agency, Seyed Mohammad Atabak, minister of industry, mining and trade, said on Thursday 30 July 2026 that around 70,000 to 75,000 imported vehicles, mostly economy models, have been allocated for import. He said the imports do not draw on government foreign currency but are funded from currency held in individuals' own deposits, and that those holding foreign currency can carry out these imports.

Atabak said the policy of the ministry and the government from the outset has been to make the car market more competitive. He added that permits have also been issued for the import of certain specialised vehicles, with the aim of generating government revenue from those imports, although the ministry's focus remains on importing mainly economy vehicles.

On improving vehicle quality, the minister said a committee has been formed to oversee quality, its regulations have been approved by the government, and it will supervise the production process from parts manufacturing through to final assembly. He said legal supervisory companies and a group of deputy ministers sit on the committee to maintain continuous oversight of vehicle safety and quality.