SAIPA
SAIPA is an Iranian automaker headquartered in Tehran. Originally established in 1965 as SAIPAC, the company was created with 75% Iranian ownership to assemble Citroën vehicles under license for the Iranian market. Following Citroën's withdrawal in 1975, the company changed its name to SAIPA and has since evolved into Iran's second-largest automaker.
The company is partially state-owned by the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran, the largest shareholder with 35.75% of shares. SAIPA's main subsidiaries include Saipa Diesel, Pars Khodro, Zamyad Co., Megamotor, and Sazeh Gostar Saipa.
Despite generating substantial revenue, the company has faced severe financial challenges due to accumulated losses exceeding its capital. As of 2024, it remained subject to Article 141 of Iranian trade law, though capital increases in 2024–2025 have partially mitigated this status.
History
Early years (1965–1980)
SAIPA began operations in 1965, assembling Citroën vehicles for the domestic market. The company's first major product was the Citroën Dyane, marketed locally as the Jyane, which entered production in 1968. SAIPA manufactured approximately 120,000 units of the Jyane before production ended.The company also produced several variants including a glazed panel van version and the Baby-Brousse, a utility vehicle similar to the Citroën Méhari but with a metal body. A pickup version of the Jyane also appeared. The Baby-Brousse was manufactured from 1970 until 1979.
In 1975, SAIPA began manufacturing licensed versions of the Renault 5 and later the Renault 21. Production of Citroën vehicles ceased in 1980 following the company's name change to SAIPA.
Expansion and partnerships (1986–2000)
From 1986 to 1998, SAIPA produced the Z24 pickup truck, a licensed version of the 1970–1980 Nissan Junior with a 2.4-litre engine. In 1998, SAIPA acquired Zamyad company, which then undertook production of the Z24. Since 2003, this truck has been sold under the Zamyad brand.Renault 5 production ended in 1994 when Pars Khodro took over the production lines, and the Renault 21 was discontinued in 1997. In 1993, SAIPA established a partnership with Kia Motors, beginning production of the Kia Pride. The Pride, marketed as Saba and Nasim, achieved 97% local content production.
In 2000, SAIPA acquired 51% of Pars Khodro. The same year, the company launched its first domestically designed vehicle, the 701 Caravan minivan, which received a facelift in 2003.
Modern development (2001–present)
From 2001 to late 2010, SAIPA produced the Citroën Xantia under license. Between May 2005 and late 2012, the company assembled the previous generation Kia Rio using parts imported from South Korea.In 2002, SAIPA introduced the 141, a liftback version of the Saba. The 132 model followed in 2007, and the 111 in 2009. In November 2008, SAIPA introduced the domestically developed "SAIPA National Engine 231".
The Tiba, originally named Miniator, debuted in December 2008 as SAIPA's first domestically designed small car. It featured a 1,500cc four-cylinder engine producing with ABS, and averaged 7 liters per 100 kilometers.
In 2012, a pickup version of the SAIPA Pride was introduced as the 151.
In 2015, SAIPA began producing vehicles derived from Chinese manufacturers. In 2016, SAIPA and PSA Group signed a framework agreement to resume cooperation on Citroën vehicles in Iran.
Corporate structure and subsidiaries
SAIPA's production is highly integrated, relying on several key subsidiaries to manage its powertrain and supply chain:- Megamotor : Founded in 1993, Megamotor is responsible for the design and production of engines, gearboxes, and axles for SAIPA vehicles. It produces the upgraded M15 Plus engine and the new 16-valve ME16 engine with high local content.
- Sazeh Gostar Saipa: This subsidiary manages SAIPA's extensive supply chain, coordinating with over 846 local parts manufacturers. This network is key to SAIPA achieving high localization rates for its vehicles.
- Other key subsidiaries: The group includes specialized parts manufacturers such as SAIPA Azin, Saipa Plascokar, Saipa Press, Iran Radiator, Saipa Glass, and Zar Springs.
- Zamyad Co.: Produces commercial vehicles, including the Z24 pickup which holds approximately 38% market share in Iran's commercial vehicle segment.
- Pars Khodro: A major subsidiary that assembles SAIPA, Renault, and Chinese-licensed models.
SAIPA CITROËN
Pars Khodro
In 2000, SAIPA acquired 51% of Pars Khodro, where it has manufactured various models including the Citroën C5.Since 2018, Pars Khodro has primarily assembled Chinese-derived models alongside the SAIPA Renault Pars Tondar, an updated locally built version of the first-generation Dacia Logan, which was previously assembled in a joint venture with Renault. Originally known as the Renault Tondar 90, the company received over 100,000 orders within one week of its March 2007 launch.
Production and market position
SAIPA is Iran's second-largest automaker. In 2024, the company produced 992,102 vehicles, representing a 13.9% decrease compared to 2023. In the first half of 2025, passenger car production fell by 35.6% to 109,619 units compared to 170,417 in the same period of 2024.For the eleven-month period ending February 2025, SAIPA manufactured 315,131 vehicles, including 192,447 units from the X200 family, 44,911 Shahin sedans, 11,568 Changan vehicles, and 65,865 pickups.
Vehicle platforms and technology
SAIPA's modern vehicle lineup is based on two primary platforms:- X200 Platform: A platform based on the 1980s Kia Pride architecture. It underpins the Tiba, Saina, Quik, and Atlas.
- SP100 Platform: A modern platform developed domestically by SAIPA to meet Euro 5 emission standards. It underpins the Shahin sedan, Aria crossover, and Sahand sedan.
Hybrid technology
International operations
SAIPA has established international assembly and distribution operations in several countries:- Russia and Belarus: In 2023, SAIPA signed a deal valued at €450 million to export 45,000 cars to Russia. However, the operation has faced challenges with distribution and pricing competition.
- Venezuela and Syria: SAIPA is working to revive its joint venture, Venirauto, to produce SAIPA models locally. Production was launched in Venezuela in 2006 and in Syria in 2007.
- South Africa and Zimbabwe: The SAIPA Quik is assembled from SKD kits in Rosslyn, South Africa, and marketed as the Mureza Prim8. Plans exist to expand assembly to the Willowvale Motor Industries plant in Zimbabwe and facilities in Botswana.
Models
Historic models (by era)
1960s–1980s: Early production
| Model | Period | Origin | Notes |
| Citroën 2CV | 1960s–1970s | France | License production |
| Citroën Jyane 602 | 1968–1980 | France | 120,000 units produced |
| Baby-Brousse | 1970–1979 | France | Méhari-style utility vehicle |
| Renault 5 | 1975–1994 | France | License production |
| Renault 21 | 1980s–1997 | France | License production |
| Sherkat Sakami Jeep CJ | 1970s | USA | License assembly |
| Aria and Shahin | 1960s–1970s | USA | Classic models |
| Jeep Ahoo and Simorgh | 1970s | USA | SUV variants |
| Nissan Patrol | 1970s–1980s | Japan | License assembly |
| Opel Commodore | 1970s | Germany | License assembly |
| Chevrolet Iran | 1970s | Germany/USA | Rebadged Opel |
| Chevrolet Nova | 1970s | USA | License assembly |
| Buick Iran | 1970s | USA | License assembly |
| Jeep Gladiator | 1970s | USA | Pickup variant |
| Cadillac Iran | 1970s | USA | License assembly |
1990s–2010s: Modern partnerships
| Model | Period | Origin | Notes |
| SAIPA Z24 | 1986–1998 | Japan | Later transferred to Zamyad |
| Jeep Sahra | 1990s | USA | License assembly |
| Kia Pride | 1993–2010s | South Korea | 97% local content |
| Saipa 141 | 2001–2016 | Iran | Liftback version of Pride |
| Citroën Xantia | 2001–2010 | France | License production |
| Kia Rio | 2005–2012 | South Korea | SKD assembly |
| Saipa 132 | 2007–2018 | Iran | Pride-based sedan |
| Tiba | 2008–2016 | Iran | First domestic design |
| Saipa 111 | 2009–2016 | Iran | Pride variant |
| Caravan 701 | 2000–2015 | Iran | Minivan |
| Renault Megane | 2000s | France | License assembly |
| Nissan Murano | 2000s | Japan | SKD assembly |
| Nissan Teana | 2000s | Japan | SKD assembly |
| Nissan Roniz | 2000s | Japan | Rebadged Xterra |
| Zamyad Shooka | 2000s | Japan | Commercial vehicle |
| Citroën C3 | 2018 | France | Limited production |
| Changan Eado | 2010s | China | License assembly |
| Pars Khodro V5 | 2010s | China | Through Pars Khodro |
| Dongfeng Rich | 2010s | China | Pickup truck |