French carmakers, once the market leaders in Iran, are seeking to re-establish their grip. PSA Peugeot Citroën, which alone accounted for around a third of sales in 2011, and Renault are well-placed, given their pre-sanctions presence, to join forces with the domestic carmakers that now account for most sales. Indeed Peugeot has agreed to restart production with Iran Khodro, its former partner. Renault is discussing buying a minority stake or factories from Pars Khodro, another local firm. French government ministers, never shy to press the case of domestic firms abroad, have rushed to Tehran to smooth the way.