Does Mazda Remain in Iran’s Market?

Khodrocar – Mazda car production in Japan passed 50 million and because of that we are going to have a look at the history of this brand in Iran. Mazda caught its name from Zartosht’s God, AhoraMazda. Their presence in Iran was affected by the sanctions in different times and now by the exit of PSA from Iran and the start of new sanctions, there are whispers about the Shadowy future of Mazda presence in Iran.

Mazda established as a machinery producer in 1920 and after a decade starts to produce 3 wheeled vehicles in 1931. They did a lot foe Japan’s army during the Second World War and after that in 1960 Mazda’s first 4 wheeled car became to life in the name of Mazda 360. Now after 86 years since the first production of Mazda they passed the 50 million cars production in the Japan.

With no doubt, Mazda will reflect the name of Bahman Motor in Iranian’s minds which signed the first contract in 1959 with this company and start the production in Iran.

Bahman Motor established in 1952 and started to montage 3-wheeled Mazda pickups in 1959. This company and its products had a great role in Iran’s renovation in the first years of revolution because during those days Mazda 1000 and 1600 pickups were producing and they helped people and organizations a lot. During those days the company name changed to Iran Vanet. Alongside producing Mazda pickups in Iran, Mazda 929 coupe was imported to the country.

In the 80s Bahman Motor montaged Mazda 1800 pickup and in 1993 the company handed to the private sector and they added new models for diversification. First examples of Mazda 323 in Iran came to the market with the name of F323 and SL323. After that this popular sedan continued the production till 2007 in the name of FL323 in 5 different models with 1600cc engine.

Latest Mazda products in Iran are Mazda 2 hatchback and Mazda 3. Mazda 2 production started in 2011 and it just discontinued very soon in 2014. After that Mazda 3 with 2000cc engine is the only Mazda left in Iran’s market and still produce.
Mazda sale share in America’s market reduced for 3 percent in 2017 and they just sale 289,470 cars in last year.

Before Trump exit the JCPOA and PSA leave Iran, there were talks about the producing new generation of Mazda 3 and even producing CX5 by Bahman Motor but in the new condition we have to wait to see what will happen.

Khodrocar Reporter: Fazel Suri

Khodrocar Translator: Amin Zamani