Iran’s automotive sector has recorded a 12% decline in output in the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21 – October 22), signaling a slowdown in one of the country’s key industries.

According to data released by the CODAL system, the combined production of Iran’s three major automakers – Iran Khodro, Saipa, and Pars Khodro – reached 485,577 vehicles in the seven-month period, down from 552,014 units produced during the same time last year.

While Iran Khodro managed to post a 10% increase in output, manufacturing 319,241 vehicles, both Saipa and Pars Khodro saw their production drop, dragging overall figures into negative territory.