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FIAT Auto
& PIDF |
Agreed to Manufacture FIAT Cars in Iran
Fiat Auto S.P.A. and PIDF (Pars
Industrial Development Foundation) Co. announced today a cooperation agreement
to manufacture and distribute Fiat brand’s cars in Iran.
Herbert Demel, President and CEO of Fiat
Auto S.P.A., and Manouchehr Gharavi, Chairman of PIDF Co., have signed a
contract which calls for the production of the hatchback Fiat Polio, the sedan
Siena, the station-wagon Polio Weekend Adventure, the Estrada pick-up, and a
MPV version. The contract also encompasses the manufacture of bi-fuel
vehicles, including Fiat Multipla and Doblo, powered by CNG (compressed
natural gas) engines at PIDF’s industrial facility in Iran.
Production and distribution are
expected to commence in the second half of 2005. Annual output is expected to
reach more than 100,000 units in phase one, and to exceed 250,000 units when
full capacity is reached, overall industrial investment made by PIDF will
total approximately Euro 200 million.
“This initiative is important because it
forms part of our strategy for strengthening Fiat Auto’s presence in markets
with a high growth potential in the automobile sector,” Herbert Demel said at
the agreement signing ceremony in Tehran.” We want to bank upon and further
exploit the prestige of our “world car“ project , which has won many awards in
several countries and is praised by customers in more than 40 markets where
the “Polio Family“ is already present. World - renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro,
who has been named as “designer of the century“ by an international jury, has
greatly contributed to the success of our product thanks to its Italian
styling. The agreement also encompasses the production of bi-fuel vehicles
powered by CNG engines, a field in which Fiat has been in the forefront
technology and wisely plays a major role internationally. Moreover, we are
happy to team up with PIDF and Mr. Gharavi’s organization that is making all
efforts for the success of our new venture due to their recognized and long
standing experience in the automotive sector. Scope of our agreement is to
develop our business ties furthermore for a strong stay in the whole region as
well as Iran.
" We intend to transfer our technology & know-how to Iran for Localizing parts
& components. In another initiative we’ll link PIDF supplying chain to that of
world material flow," Demel said.
According to Manouchehr Gharavi: “Thanks to our cooperation agreement, Fiat is
back to our country after fifty years. We are delighted to be adding the Fiat
automobiles to our factory and introducing its successful models to the
Iranian market. Fiat is one of the most prestigious names in the automotive
industry. It has consistently developed cars that have been affordable,
practical and have greatly contributed to the motorization of entire
countries. Fiat is a world leader in the area of bi-fuel vehicles and its
technology in CNG engines, which have great potential especially in the
Iranian market, is second to none. Our plans call for establishing an
important and consistent market share in Iran. Furthermore, our new venture is
destined to play an important role in the expansion of Iran’s automotive
suppliers’ industry, further enhancing its expertise as it is going to join
Fiat Auto’s worldwide suppliers' network. Moreover we’re sure our sincere
cooperation will result in developing a bigger market share for our products
in Iran as well as the whole region.”
Turin and Tehran,
January 26.Jan. 2005
Fiat Auto:
One of the
pioneer companies in the automobile industry, Fiat has produced more than
85 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including no less
than 400 models, since 1899, when the company was founded in Turin, Italy.
Some of them have represented milestones in the automotive industry. Fiat Auto
operates world-wide with the following brands: Fiat, celebrated for value,
economy, and innovation and whose mass produced cars are distributed over
almost the entire price class spectrum; Lancia (acquired in 1969) means
prestige cars are noted for their elegant styling, and comfort; Alfa Romeo
(acquired in 1986) is famous as a maker of sport and luxury vehicles of style
and distinction.
PIDF (Pars
Industrial Development Foundation) Co.:
In early 2003 almost a
hundred of Iranian top managers in industry directed and joined by Mr. Gharavi
& under his unique leadership established PIDF
(Pars Industrial Development Foundation), a holding company majorly consisting
of ex-top managers of auto industry.
It must be pointed out that their efficient teamwork & strategy led IRAN
KHODRO to No. 1 Company in Iran as well as No.1 car manufacturer in the whole
region.
Scheduling to produce one million cars
annually while succeeding to raise its rank amongst the top 20 biggest car
manufacturers in the whole world. It must be added that “ SAMAND “ Iran's
first national car was the outcome of the same teamwork evidencing their
absolute unity. Consequently auto industry in Iran boosted by an average
growth rate of 27.5% which was the result of implementation of Mr. Gharavi’s
strategy aiming at production of different classes of passenger cars, light
and heavy vehicles in Iran.
PIDF major subsidiary companies which
have emerged up to now may be enlisted as below:
1- “BONRO” in “Auto Manufacturing”
2- “PARSINCO” in “Special Projects and
Construction”
3- “SIFCO” in “Supplying Parts and
Components”
4- “LEASING” in “Leasing”
5- “PIPCO” in “Security System, Logistic
& Services”
6- “ATS” In “Information Technology” |
