The Renault Tondar 90 – a twin model of the first-gen Renault/Dacia Logan designed specifically for Iran – went out of production a couple of years ago due to political sanctions. Now, SAIPA Corporation has announced the comeback of the classical sedan.
SAIPA will not enlist Renault’s help in designing the vehicle and expects to localize the production of 85% of its components in Iran, as opposed to just 45% from before. The reimagined Logan/Tondar 90 is expected to emerge in a year and a half sporting a different appearance and better overall components than its predecessor. It remains to be seen whether the company succeeds, but one thing is certain: Iran’s automotive market is the largest in the Middle East.
The first-gen Renault Logan debuted 16 years ago and was assembled in India, Iran, Columbia, Russia, Romania and South Africa. It is still in production in the SAR, India and Russia (as the Lada Largus estate/wagon).