Maserati Gran Cabrio. Photo: Wikipedia.

Both Maserati and Lamborghini will no longer do business in Iran The Algemeiner has learned. The announcement comes following a campaign by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) aimed at pressuring the two car makers into halting their activities in the country.

The campaign appeared futile until an October press conference held by Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO of United Against Nuclear Iran, and New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

“We weren’t trying to just embarrass anyone. We sent several letters to both companies asking them about their business in Iran and they just didn’t write back,” UANI spokesman Nathan Carleton, speaking of the press conference, told The Algemeiner

The public appeal seems to have worked. “After the event we were immediately contacted by Lamborghini. They told us they were out, they weren’t doing any business in Iran anymore. We’re happy with that,” Carleton said.

A meeting with representatives from Maserati soon followed.

During the meeting Maserati insisted its dealings in Iran had concluded after its parent company, Fiat, announced in May that it no longer had a presence in the Islamic Republic. Mr. de Blasio pointed out to them that they had been in negotiations with the Arta Group and that the Maserati name was still being used by them. He suggested that legal action be taken.

In a letter sent to UANI shortly after the meeting, Maserati said it had “threatened legal action if the Arta Group did not cease and desist from” its misleading activity.

The letter continued: “Since our meeting, Maserati’s representatives have also successfully worked with Facebook to disable an Arta Group site which falsely suggested a Maserati presence in Iran. Maserati is committed to  working with Facebook if such misleading and infringing content is again posted.”

Furthermore the letter stated: “While Maserati does not sell vehicles or parts in Iran, it is possible for Iranians to import Maserati vehicles from distributors located outside the United States. However, Maserati does not honor warranties for, or otherwise support these vehicles. With the new product range, Maserati vehicles will no longer be built to comply with safety, emissions, and other standards required for import in to Iran. This change should make it more difficult for Iranians to import Maserati vehicles from distributors.”

Ambassador Wallace sent this statement on the affirmations from the car companies:

“We are satisfied with the pledges we have received from both Lamborghini and Maserati, and we applaud both for their responsible action. This campaign proved once again that when a company is forced to choose between the Iranian market and the U.S. market, it will leave Iran. We will continue to work with the Public Advocate, to pressure more and more businesses to pull out of Iran and continue isolating the Iranian regime.”

De Blasio also applauded the commitment of the car makers. “This is one more step in the right direction in a crucial campaign to hit the Iranian regime at its economic core,” said de Blasio. “Maserati and Lamborghini have done the right thing in pulling their business from Iran – and I am pleased we can remove them from Iranwatchlist.com. This is also a strong message to New Yorkers and Americans: we as consumers can help fight against a nuclear Iran, and I plan to continue this fight relentlessly, with as many allies as we can assemble.”