TEHRAN -- Managing Director of Sazeh Gostar Company affiliated to the Saipa Vehicle Manufacturing Company, Ja'far Safari said here Monday that in order to gain a foothold in the international markets, large-scale production capacity should be planned and implemented.

He told reporters that the sector needs large-scale production, reduce costs, observe international standards, boost managerial expertise and improve workmanship.

Safari said the industry has proved its capability of meeting domestic needs, adding, "If the government expects higher production and employment....., it has to make more investments in the sector".

"Over 85 percent of the component of the Pride model cars are built domestically and the amount of hard currency used in each car is $932," he noted.

The company provides 53 percent of the parts for Pride models and 83 parts manufacturers have business cooperation with the company.

He said research data point to an average 10 percent of parts being defective.

Safari said the Sazeh Gostar Company has put exports as a priority and it estimates that $1 million of various kinds of parts will be exported by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20).

He said it is estimated that the exports will top $5 billion next year.

The official said the company provides parts for 75,000 Prides and 15,000 Nissans annually. This figure, he said, will increase to 120,000 and 30,000, Prides and Nissans respectively, next year.

(IRNA)