Iran to produce special car for women

Car to come with electronic parking sensors, a range of soft, "feminine," colors, manufacturer says.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
iran car for women 224 88 (photo credit: Courtesy: Iran Khodro)
iran car for women 224 88
(photo credit: Courtesy: Iran Khodro)
Iran's state-backed auto manufacturer on Tuesday unveiled a car specifically designed for women, with electronic parking sensors and a special jack making it easier to change a flat tire. The car's internal design will be especially geared towards women and its exterior will be painted in softer, "feminine" colors, the manufacturer, Iran Khodro announced. An alarm system will warn drivers of flat tires and automatic transmission, navigation and entertainment systems will be installed in order to make the driving experience all the more pleasant. The managing director of Iran Khodro's order unit, Vahid Najafi, said a sharp increase in the number of women drivers and car owners in general had prompted the new design, which was the fruit of research into women's needs and preferences. "Women's necessities are different from men's," Najafi said. "For example, a woman goes shopping, takes children to school - so this car is going to have some visual distinctions that will separate it from other cars. It will be more beautiful. Cheerful and attractive colors will be used - for example red. A series of decoration pieces will be added to the interior, on the dashboard for example." The manufacturer said that the car would be custom-made according to the specifications of the customer and would be launched in conjunction with the Iranian National Women's Day in June of 2009. Najafi was optimistic regarding the projected popularity of the car, part of the "Samand" line, which has been exported to allies of Iran such as Syria and Venezuela. He added, however, that the company was initially aiming for sales success in the domestic market. Iran's Islamic law imposes some tight restrictions on women. They need a male guardian's permission to work or travel. Women are not allowed to become judges and a man's court testimony is considered twice as important as a woman's. Despite such restrictions, Iranian women have more rights than their counterparts in other conservative Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, where women are not even allowed to drive. AP contributed to this report.