Reported by PMOI/MEK
Iran, Jan. 17, 2019 – On Wednesday, more than 200 customers of state-run Iran Khodro vehicle manufacturer held demonstrations in front of the offices of the Ministry of Industry. The demonstrators, who had registered in advance to purchase vehicles at discount prices, are protesting against unfair practices and the increase of prices against commitments made by the manufacturer.
According to the protesters, the state-run vehicle manufacturer has raised the price of its vehicles by as much as 50 percent. The protesters were chanting slogans against the managers of the company and were calling for judicial actions against them.
In the past months, many people have registered to purchase vehicles from Iran Khodro and Saipa, two of the largest auto manufacturers of Iran. But their purchases haven’t been delivered to them, which has triggered protests in different cities.
The purchases came after the manufacturers issued statements, encouraging consumers to buy their vehicles in advance at discounted rates. But at the due date, the companies stalled and refrained from delivering. Last week, both companies cancelled discounts and declared new prices, which caused shock and fury among the thousands of customers that had entrusted the companies with their money.
Protests by customers of Iran Khodro
According to the customers, the companies’ practices have caused more damage than benefit. The customers have been demonstrating in front of the branches and exhibition centers of the companies and demanding refunds for their purchases.
According to the protesters, in summer, when they pre-ordered the vehicles of Iran Khodro, they could have spent the same money to purchase ready vehicles at much lower prices. But now, with the price hikes and the sudden policy change of the auto manufacturer, they won’t be able to explore the options they had at the time of ordering, even if Iran Khodro refunds them.
Protests by customers of Iran Khodro in Tehran
Protests by customers of Iran Khodro in Tehran
