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Iran Considers Brazil Deal for Taxis, Trucks, 50 Embraer Jets | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Private jets are seen at the Embraer headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, 100 km (62 miles) from Sao Paulo May 14, 2013. REUTERS/Nacho Doce


Private jets are seen at the Embraer headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, 100 km (62 miles) from Sao Paulo May 14, 2013. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Private jets are seen at the Embraer headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, 100 km (62 miles) from Sao Paulo May 14, 2013. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Iran is interested in buying 50 airliners from Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA, a source in the Brazilian presidency with knowledge of the negotiation said on Monday, with a burst of the Iran’s trade deals following the lifting of international sanctions imposed over its nuclear program.

Iran would also be willing to purchase up to 60,000 cabs with natgas-fueled engines from Brazilian manufacturers, the source said.

Negotiations for the jets, along with the potential package of taxis, buses and trucks made by Brazil’s ailing auto industry, began in October when Brazilian Trade Minister Armando Monteiro led a delegation to Tehran.

According to Reuters, Monteiro said last month that Brazil will accept payment from Iran in euros and other currencies to avoid persistent sanctions keeping Iran from using the U.S. financial system.

Iran concluded a deal for 118 Airbus jets in January and this month it struck a deal for up to 40 turboprop planes from Franco-Italian producer ATR. Boeing Co also said last week it had acquired U.S. clearance to enter talks with Iranian airlines.

An Iran trade deal could also be a shot in the arm for struggling automakers in Brazil, where car sales plunged by more than a quarter last year and demand for heavy trucks was nearly cut up due to a severe economic recession.

The oil-rich country could order up to 100,000 natural gas-powered taxis made in Brazil, in addition to buses and trucks for its fleet, the presidential assistant said, reviewing an initial estimate of 60,000 taxis.

Until recently, Brazil was one of the world’s five biggest auto markets and a major base of operations for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, Volkswagen AG, General Motors Co and Ford Motor Co.