The current situation and development of Iran automotive industry

The automotive industry in Iran has been established since 1958. It was started with producing a Jeep vehicle. Then the Saika, Iran Khodro and Saipa companies began with the production of Fiat, Paykan and Zhian (brand of Citroen) automobiles in 1960, 1965, and 1966, respectively. In 1973, IRAN JEEP Company sold 45% of its share to GM Company, and the latter commenced the production of the Chevrolet Nova, Buick and Cadillac. The growth of the Iranian automotive industry was slow and all cars were assembled as CKD until 1990. However, in the decade of the 1990s, the growth was considerable and it has been continuing strongly in the current decade. At the moment, the volume production of all vehicles in Iran is close to 900,000 units per year. The Iran automotive industry in the current decade has achieved great progress in design and manufacturing fields. The production of the SAMAND car by Iran Khodro indicates there is a high capability for engineering design, validation process and preparation for the mass roduction stage in Iran. Nowadays, there are several companies producing different types of vehicles such as passenger cars, vans, trucks, busses and mini-busses in Iran... (AU)