Tehran’s automotive calendar shifts to Shahr-e Aftab this week as the 7th Tehran International Auto Show opens its doors from September 14 to 17, offering visitors a rare chance to look at, sit in, and in some cases test-drive the latest models.
Organizers say 35 automotive groups are taking part, making it one of the country’s most-visited exhibitions. Mohammad Mehdi Salari, CEO of Shahr-e Aftab Exhibition Company, said the venue’s capacity helped avoid the heavy traffic that would have accompanied a central Tehran location. “Shahr-e Aftab, with all its capacity and facilities, will be a good host for organizers of various exhibitions,” he said.
For the first time, the show spreads across more than 22,000 square meters, with four test-drive areas in the southern section. Visitors can get behind the wheel of selected vehicles, a format aimed at turning passive browsing into a hands-on experience.
Mehdi Asadi, CEO of Ideh Tejarat Hermes, the event’s organizer, said the show is about more than displaying metal and motors. Alongside introducing companies’ products and achievements, he said, the goal is to raise consumer awareness and expectations. International participation is notable, particularly from Chinese automakers, and organizers expect strong turnout.
The show also carries a safety message. The social campaign “No to Accidents” returns this year as a series of specialized podcasts, continuing its push to change driving culture. With test drives, global brands, and a public-safety theme under one roof, the 7th Tehran International Auto Show aims to be both a marketplace and a message board for Iran’s motoring public.
