I call upon all the managers and workers of the Industrial Group of Iran Khodro to prepare themselves for a solid stride, or rather leap, forward in 1382 AH.

The Samand and Persia automobiles will be marketed with modifications to their appearance and quality standards in the New Year (beginning 21 March 2003).

Dr. Manochehr Manteghi, Managing Director of Iran Khodro, stresses on the importance of customer satisfaction with Iran Khodro products and believes that in the new year all production sectors must strive to implement a culture of costumer satisfaction based on the motto, "the costumer is our best friend". This culture should encompass all aspects of work, so the managers and the workers of Iran Khodro must all believe that they are producing for themselves, their family members and their best friends.

In the field of marketing, Iran Khodro intends to present its products in national and international markets in a new light with new advertising methods. This way, anyone who wants to buy one of Iran Khodro’s products will have sufficient information about their intended purchase. Marketing is especially focused on the quality and diversity of products, thus Iran Khodro will strive for a noticeable makeover in quality and appearance of its products every year. In pursuit of this policy, two new auto models –production of which will start in 2004– will be introduced to the market.

In 1382 AH (Iranian fiscal year starting 21 March 2003) the costumers of Iran Khodro will receive after-sales services and all personnel of this section will do their utmost to attain respectable auto making standards by updating their technological know-how and by implementation of state-of-the-art auto making systems. The after-sales services network, for injector engines especially, will be expanded with constant updates of the information received from clients about the quality of parts so after-sales service outlets and representatives will be able to address their needs in the shortest time possible.

"Abreast of the fluctuations expected to be experienced in 1382 AH, we will continue to provide for the employees of Iran Khodro and all workers and managers are assured that they will be more tangibly included in the profit-sharing scheme, which is expected to follow the upgrading of Iran Khodro."

In the field of marketing, Iran Khodro intends to present its products in national and international markets in a new light with new advertising methods.

Manteghi pointed to the widespread enthusiasm and support people showed in their rush to grab Iran Khodro’s certificates of cooperation (similar to bonds) in the final months of 1381 (early months of 2003) and said that this massive turnout is an indication of the trust and confidence the people have in the progress of Iran Khodro. "It is because of the people’s faith in us, that we must not disappoint them by striving to do our best, which would be the only appropriate repayment of their kindness," he added.

"1382 is a year in which our domestic auto manufacturers must be prepared for ascent to the level of world-class automakers. This year will, undoubtedly, be full of challenges for the Iranian auto industry; and I call upon all the managers and workers of the Industrial Group of Iran Khodro to prepare themselves for a solid stride, or rather leap, forward in 1382 AH. We must now exert our utmost efforts and besiege our creativity to make a momentous move forward in the auto industry."

In the information age automobiles customers are attentive, selective and analytical individuals and automakers must stay abreast of these developments and intellectual transformations by presenting new products to the market that meet the ever-changing needs of today’s consumers. In another words, a consumer should be able to find a car that meets his\her needs and expectations in Iran Khodro’s production line.

Iran Khodro’s success in 1382 AH is contingent on having clear and precise details of the wishes of its audience in different target markets, which will guide us in our auto manufacturing and presentation. The world auto industry has undergone a profound transformation and world auto manufacturers have stormed the world auto markets with their high-quality range of automobiles, mass-produced in millions. They have conducted expert scientific research in different fields and have made remarkable progress in technology and new materials. Thus, it is up to the Iran Khodro Industrial Group to take steps in such a direction and make extensive modifications alongside the ever-changing world auto industry. Iran Khodro can start these modifications by attending to research and educational matters of Iran’s auto industry.

If Iran starts importing autos from abroad in a regulated and controlled manner, it will present Iran Khodro and other auto manufacturers with a great opportunity for serious competition with imported foreign cars, with their high-quality inexpensive autos that come with comprehensive after-sales services. But if imports were to be unleashed on Iran’s auto market they would threaten the very existence of Iran’s domestic auto industry. Fortunately, the minister of industries and mines and the minister of finance and economic affairs who are the main shakers and movers on this issue, have paid adequate attention to this matter and are aware that the domestic auto industry should be allowed to grow due to the many advantages it enjoys.