IRGC denies it is entering Iran’s automotive sector

Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has denied reports it is entering into the car manufacturing business in Iran.

Major General Hossein Salami said on Wednesday that the IRGC has developed technologies that could assist the Iranian industries, including the country’s automotive sector, but it is fundamentally opposed to having a direct role in those businesses.

“The car sector in the country has its custodian and we will never try to replace other institutions,” said Salami in an interview with the state TV’s news agency.

Responding to a question about reports that an IRGC subsidiary is manufacturing automatic transmissions, he said that IRGC’s policy is to transfer technologies that could play an effective role in manufacturing parts and components needed in various industries in Iran.

The commander said, however, that technology advancements accomplished in the IRGC are mainly intended to boost the military and defensive capabilities of the force.

“We have to create our military and defense power so that the (Iranian) car manufacturer can produce modern and advanced cars for the people that could replace the foreign-made cars,” he said.

Since the end of the Iraqi-imposed war on Iran in the late 1980s, the IRGC has set up companies to help with reconstruction efforts in the county and to provide resources for its economic development.

The force now controls powerful technology companies that have played a key role in Iran’s efforts to reduce or end reliance on foreign suppliers, especially in the past years as the country has been grappling with a raft of unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States.

The elite military force has denied reports published in the foreign media in recent years which have accused it of having a direct involvement in major economic projects in Iran.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk