Iran state-owned car manufacturer fined for vehicle smuggling

TEHRAN - Iranian customs have imposed a hefty fine on a state-owned truck manufacturer over illegal Mercedes Benz van imports, an official told AFP on Monday.
"Customs has fined Iran Khodro Diesel (IKD) the sum of 41 billion rials (4.6 million dollars) for importing 133 Mercedes Benz 140 vans under the guise of spare parts," said Mohsen Bahrami, spokesman for a government body tasked with combatting rampant smuggling.
He explained that imported car parts are only taxed at 20 percent, while a fully assembled car is subject to 140 percent duties.
Bahrami said that IKD had paid the fine, but the national truck manufacturer was also facing a judicial probe.

04/25/2005 16:08 GMT