UANI Calls on Germany's FEV to Cease Business in Regime-Controlled Auto Sector

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2012
Contact: Nathan Carleton, [email protected]
Phone: (212) 554-3296 

UANI Calls on Germany's FEV to Cease Business in Regime-Controlled Auto Sector
Maker of Iran's "National Engine" Must Pull Out

New York, NY - On Tuesday, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) called on German engine manufacturer FEV GmbH (FEV) to end its ongoing business dealings with the Iranian regime and affiliated entities.

FEV has partnered with the Iran Khodro Powertrain Company (IPCO) in the production and design of the four-cylinder IKCO EF engine. The IKCO EF engine, also known as Iran's "national engine," was first showcased at the 2008 Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany.

In a letter to FEV President and CEO, Prof. Dr. Stefan Pischinger, UANI CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, wrote:

In helping design the engine, FEV offered the UN-sanctioned Iranian regime the opportunity to promote its technology in an international forum. Cooperation did not end there. Despite stepped-up efforts to isolate the Iranian regime, FEV also helped Iranian automaker Iran Khodro ("IKCO") launch its "Dena" engine in 2011. Meant to be sold on international markets, the jointly produced engine provides yet another example of how FEV's business relations with Tehran enhance the economy of the internationally sanctioned regime.

Of particular concern is that IPCO is a subsidiary of IKCO, which is itself owned and controlled by the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran ("IDRO"), an Iranian government body that controls companies involved in developing the regime's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. IDRO is sanctioned by both the United States and EU.

Any ongoing business with Iran will damage FEV's international image and financial bottom-line... This should be of particular concern to FEV because of its extensive business in the United States. FEV's North American Technical Center, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, employs approximately 350 personnel and has been the recipient of $140 million in U.S. Government contracts since 2000 according to USASPENDING.gov. The majority of these contracts have come from the Environmental Protection Agency, but also from the Department of Defense.

UANI launched its Auto Campaign in 2012 to identify foreign automotive companies doing business in Iran. The auto sector offers the regime an enormous source of revenue and a means to access advanced foreign technologies for its military and security forces.

Recently, UANI launched its Germany Campaign, which highlights the extensive business activities of German firms and entities in Iran.

UANI has requested a reply from FEV by December 24, 2012.

Click here to view UANI's full letter to FEV.
Click here to send a message to FEV.
Click here to learn more about UANI's Auto Campaign.

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