Financial Tribune - Iran�s automotive output increased by 9.4% during the first three months of the current Iranian year (March 20-June 20) compared to the year-ago period.

According to data released by the Industries Ministry, 336,699 cars and commercial vehicles were produced in Iran during the three-month period. Last year, the figure was 307,666. The output of passenger cars saw a 9.3% rise, increasing from 290,877 to 317,810 this year.

Production of passenger vans also increased from 210 to 224, registering a 16.2% rise. The upward trajectory is also seen in the production of pickup trucks.

During the three-month period, the number of pickup trucks produced by domestic automakers reached 14,080, which is 8.2% higher than the same period of last year, when the figure barely exceeded 13,000.