Renault says it is finally about to begin producing cars in Iran, where a spokeswoman said the company should begin cranking out models sometime in spring. This is after contractual disputes and other entanglements with the Iranian government held up Renault's plans to build its low-cost Logan model in Iran, which the French automaker sells mainly to developing countries.
I keep wondering about the political implications of Renault's move, amid debates about Iran's nuclear ambitions. Are U.S. policymakers watching this?
What about France's right-wing presidential hopeful Nicolas Sarkozy, who recently said a nuclear-armed Iran was "unthinkable."? If the going really gets bad, what then? Will pro-big business Sarkozy continue his tough stance against the Iranian government, or will he bow down to corporate interests as Renault seeks to expand its presence in the region?
