Iran and China Establish Axis of Automobiles

Frank Williams
by Frank Williams

It looks like everyone wants a piece of the burgeoning Chinese auto market. The latest player: the Iran Khodro Industrial Group (IKCO). The Iranian conglomerate has joined forces with Chinese busmaker Jinhua Neoplan to build vehicles in China, according to China Car Times. IKCO is Iran's primary auto manufacturer; they assemble cars in Iran under license from PSA Peugeot Citroen and trucks under license from Mercedes-Benz. They also build cars under the Iranian brands Samand, Sarir and Soren. There's no word on whether IKCO's Chinese vehicles will be existing models or new ones, or whether they're destined for the Chinese market or export to Iran and/or other markets. So far together they've invested over $60m in the project, and are expected to sink another $140m into the venture in the near future.

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  • Redbarchetta Redbarchetta on Sep 19, 2007

    I didn't even know Iran made cars. I wonder if it's anti-American in design. Can we have a review of an Iranian manufactured car just for comparison's sake.

  • Ryan Knuckles Ryan Knuckles on Sep 19, 2007

    It looks like they have a 'Big 3' too. They are called Iran Khodro, SAIPA, and Pars Khodro. Most of what they make are older Japanese cars, nameplates and all. You can but an Iranian made "Jeep Sahra". One commonality I found..they really like 4cylinders or small V6s.

  • Ryan Knuckles Ryan Knuckles on Sep 19, 2007

    and French and Korean cars too.

  • TaxedAndConfused TaxedAndConfused on Sep 19, 2007

    Iran make the old Hilman Hunter don't they ? I think Chrysler sold it to them when they owned Rootes. This is a Peugeot 405. Are we back in 1991 ? Prince and Crowded house have albums out and we just replaced our prime minister with our chancellor. And now someone is selling 405s again.

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