The head of the leading Iranian car manufacturer, Iran Khodro Company (IKCO), says thousands of French workers have lost their jobs due to their country’s “irrational” policies in dealing with the Islamic Republic.
IKCO Chief Executive Officer Hashem Yekkeh Zare criticized irrational decision by the French carmaker, Peugeot, to boycott Iran Khodro in 2012, adding, “The [automaker] Peugeot cut ties with Iran in February 2012 and as a result of this decision, 8,000 of its workers lost their jobs.”

In 2011, Iran accounted for 13 percent of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s annual sales. Peugeot’s decision to sever ties with Iran in 2012 was made under pressure from General Motors, which had back then been bailed out by the US government.

According to official data provided by the French auto manufacturer Renault, cutting cooperation with Iran Khodro Co., -- which is the Middle East’s largest carmaker -- cost the French auto industry 260 million euros in lost revenue in the third quarter of 2013 alone, Yekkeh Zare further stated.
“Considering the vast and diverse market in the world, political behaviors [which are] contradictory to our national interests will undoubtedly affect Iran Khodro’s selection of economic partners,” said Yekkeh Zare.
The French Renault has also restricted its activities in Iran since July 1 because of US-led sanctions that among other things also target the Islamic Republic’s auto sector.

By Press TV

 

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