An all-women car unveiled in gender-sensitive Iran

INT19International/Society/Technology/BusinessAn all-women car unveiled in gender-sensitive IranLondon, Oct 8 IANS Iran's state-backed motor manufacturer, Iran Khodro, has unveiled a new car specially designed for women that might take the country's gender sensitivity to new levels, the Daily Telegraph has reported.The car, with electronic parking aids and a jack making it easier to change a wheel, will be painted in soft "feminine" colours and include interior design features aimed specifically at women. The car, part of the Samand range, will be fitted with features considered female-specific. These include an alarm system to warn the driver of flat tyres, an automatic gear box, a navigation system and audiovisual entertainment systems for child passengers in the car. According Iran Khodro, the car has been designed to cater to the growing number of female drivers in the Islamic country and will be launched in conjunction with national womens' day next June.Vahid Najafi, managing director of Iran Khodro's order unit, said he believed the car would be a great hit. He was expecting the car to prove popular. Previous vehicles have been exported to Iran's allies such as Syria and Venuzuela, but the womens' car will initially be aimed at the domestic market. "Women's necessities are different from men's," he said. "For example, a woman goes shopping, takes children to school - so this car is going to have some visual distinctions that will separate it from other cars.""It will be more beautiful. Cheerful and attractive colours will be used - for example red. A series of decoration pieces will be added to the interior, on the dashboard for example. What's important for women is that the car should be comfortable and handle well," he added.The hardline government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is known for encouraging gender separation in the country. Last year, it backed a proposal to design a women's bicycle that covered the rider's legs and upper body.The country also has a women-only taxi service run by female drivers.-- Indo-Asian News Service skp/jg362 Words08100859