Financial Tribune- The central dealership of Iran’s second largest auto manufacturer, SAIPA, opened in Lebanon on Friday.


Senior officials from both countries attended the inauguration, namely Iranian Ambassador  Mohammad Fathali and SAIPA chief Mahdi Jamali, Lebanese ministers, politicians and business leaders.


Jamali said SAIPA’s Beirut company will offer “ modern and fully-equipped exclusive sales and after-sales services,” IRNA reported.


In collaboration with Lebanon’s Mecanica Group, SAIPA will offer models with a competitive edge that have acceptable quality and are affordable.

Established in 2016, the Mecanica Group sells motor vehicles, offers automotive maintenance and repair services. Based in Lebanon’s Jbeil district, the firm is also the exclusive importer and distributer of SAIPA cars.

Jamali also presented a report of the company’s activities in and outside Iran noting that every year SAIPA releases two to three new models.

With over two decades of experience, SAIPA has expanded its activities to more than 15 countries. The group has also set up production lines in Venezuela, Syria, Sudan, Iraq and Senegal, he said.

Lebanon’s Minister of Industry Hussein Hajj Hassan noted that cooperation between Mecanica Group and SAIPA is an important step in developing and increasing auto production that will contribute to growth in Lebanese industries and create jobs.

“We hope to attract investment from both Lebanese businesses and international and regional partners,” he said.

Collaboration with Iran presents a great opportunity for Lebanon to become better familiar with industries, products, and developments in science and technology, he was quoted as saying.