 | |
| Company type | Public company |
|---|---|
| TSE:TWSE:k[1] ISIN: IRO1SIPA0001 | |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1965; 60 years ago (1965) |
| Headquarters | Tehran,Iran |
Area served | Iran, Russia, Venezuela, Africa |
Key people |
|
| Products |
|
| Revenue |  US$21.7 billion(2023)[citation needed] |
| Owner |
|
Number of employees | 48,000(2012)[3] |
| Subsidiaries |
|
| Website | www |
| Footnotes / references The company was legally classified as "at risk of bankruptcy" under Article 141 of Iran's trade law due to accumulated losses exceeding its capital. As of March 2025, capital increases have partially mitigated this regulatory status, though oversight continues.[4][5] | |
SAIPA (Persian:سایپا) is an Iranian automaker headquartered inTehran. Originally established in 1965 asSAIPAC (anacronym for the FrenchSociété Anonyme Iranienne de Production des Automobiles Citroën, lit.Iranian Limited Company for the Production of Citroën Automobiles),[6] the company was created with 75%Iranian ownership to assembleCitroën vehicles under license for the Iranian market.[7] Following Citroën's withdrawal in 1975, the company changed its name to SAIPA (Société Anonyme Iranienne de Production Automobile) and has since evolved into Iran's second-largest automaker.[8]
The company is partially state-owned by theIndustrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO), the largest shareholder with 35.75% of shares.[9] SAIPA's main subsidiaries includeSaipa Diesel,Pars Khodro,Zamyad Co., Megamotor, and Sazeh Gostar Saipa.[10]
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.[4][5]
SAIPA began operations in 1965, assembling Citroën vehicles for the domestic market.[11] The company's first major product was theCitroën Dyane, marketed locally as the Jyane (or Jian), which entered production in 1968. SAIPA manufactured approximately 120,000 units of the Jyane before production ended.[12]
The company also produced several variants including a glazed panel van version and theBaby-Brousse, a utility vehicle similar to theCitroën Méhari but with a metal body.[13] 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 theRenault 5 and later theRenault 21. Production of Citroën vehicles ceased in 1980 following the company's name change to SAIPA.[14]
From 1986 to 1998, SAIPA produced the Z24 pickup truck, a licensed version of the 1970–1980Nissan 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.[14]
Renault 5 production ended in 1994 whenPars Khodro took over the production lines, and the Renault 21 was discontinued in 1997.[14] In 1993, SAIPA established a partnership withKia Motors, beginning production of theKia Pride.[15] The Pride, marketed as Saba (saloon) and Nasim (hatchback), achieved 97% local content production.[14][16]
In 2000, SAIPA acquired 51% ofPars Khodro.[17] The same year, the company launched its first domestically designed vehicle, the 701 Caravan minivan, which received a facelift in 2003.[18]
From 2001 to late 2010, SAIPA produced theCitroën Xantia under license.[19] Between May 2005 and late 2012, the company assembled the previous generationKia Rio using parts imported fromSouth Korea.[20]
In 2002, SAIPA introduced the141, a liftback version of the Saba. The132 model followed in 2007, and the111 in 2009.[21] In November 2008, SAIPA introduced the domestically developed "SAIPA National Engine 231".[22]
TheTiba, originally named Miniator, debuted in December 2008 as SAIPA's first domestically designed small car. It featured a 1,500cc four-cylinder engine producing 80 PS (59 kW) withABS, and averaged 7 liters per 100 kilometers.[23]
In 2012, a pickup version of theSAIPA Pride was introduced as the 151.[24]
In 2015, SAIPA began producing vehicles derived from Chinese manufacturers.[25] In 2016, SAIPA and PSA Group signed a framework agreement to resume cooperation on Citroën vehicles in Iran.[11]
SAIPA's production is highly integrated, relying on several key subsidiaries to manage its powertrain and supply chain:
Following the 2016 framework agreement with PSA Group, SAIPA established SAIPA CITROËN as a joint venture subsidiary to manufacture and distribute Citroën vehicles in Iran.[11]
In 2000, SAIPA acquired 51% ofPars Khodro, where it has manufactured various models including the Citroën C5.[17]
Since 2018, Pars Khodro has primarily assembled Chinese-derived models alongside the SAIPA Renault Pars Tondar,[28][29] an updated locally built version of the first-generationDacia Logan, which was previously assembled in ajoint venture withRenault (Dacia's parent company).[30] Originally known as the Renault Tondar 90, the company received over 100,000 orders within one week of its March 2007 launch.[31]
SAIPA is Iran's second-largest automaker. In 2024, the company produced 992,102 vehicles, representing a 13.9% decrease compared to 2023.[32] 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.[33]
For the eleven-month period ending February 2025, SAIPA manufactured 315,131 vehicles, including 192,447 units from the X200 family (Tiba, Quick, and Saina), 44,911 Shahin sedans, 11,568 Changan vehicles, and 65,865 pickups.[34]
SAIPA's modern vehicle lineup is based on two primary platforms:
SAIPA unveiled its firstplug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Saipa Aria PHEV, in October 2025.[37] The vehicle features a 20 kWh battery, an 85 kWAtkinson cycle engine, and a 160 kW electric motor.[38] This marks Iran's first domestically developed plug-in hybrid car.[37]
SAIPA has established international assembly and distribution operations in several countries:
| 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 |
| Model | Period | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAIPA Z24 | 1986–1998 | Japan | Later transferred to Zamyad |
| Jeep Sahra | 1990s | USA | License assembly |
| Kia Pride (Saba/Nasim) | 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 (X200) |
| 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 |
| Name | Image | Introduction | Type | Engine | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saipa 151 (Pride pickup) | _%25D9%2585%25D8%25B3%25D8%25A7%25D9%2581%25D8%25B1%25D8%25AA%25DB%258C_%25DB%258C%25D8%25A7_%25D9%2585%25D8%25AE%25D8%25B5%25D9%2588%25D8%25B5_%25D8%25AD%25D9%2585%25D9%2584_%25D8%25A8%25D8%25A7%25D8%25B1_04.jpg) | 2012 | Pickup truck | 1.3L I4 | X200 | Light commercial vehicle |
| Saina |  | 2016 | Subcompact sedan | 1.5L I4 (87 hp) | X200 | B-segment, facelifted Tiba |
| Quik |  | 2017 | Hatchback crossover | 1.5L I4 (87 hp) | X200 | Raised suspension variant |
| Shahin |  | 2019 | Compact sedan | 1.5L I4 Turbo (110 hp) | SP100 | C-segment, Euro 5 |
| Aria |  | 2022 | Compact crossover | 2.0L I4 (150 hp) | SP100 | Available as PHEV (2025) |
| Atlas |  | 2022 | Subcompact crossover | 1.5L I4 (87 hp) | X200 | Facelifted Quik |
| Sahand |  | 2023 | Subcompact sedan | 1.5L I4 (90 hp) | SP100 | Saina replacement |
| Name | Image | Introduction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| H230 |  | 2014 | Chinese subcompact sedan |
| H220 |  | 2014 | Chinese hatchback |
| H330 Cross |  | 2014 | Chinese compact crossover |
| Pars Tondar/Tondar 90 |  | 2007 | First-gen Dacia Logan, 100,000+ orders in first week |
| Sandero/Stepway |  | 2014 | Hatchback and crossover variants |
| Cadila P90 |  | 2020 | Developed variant of Logan platform |
| Name | Image | Introduction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zamyad Z24 |  | 1986 | 38% commercial vehicle market share, based on 1970s Nissan |
| Padra | 2015 | Modern cab on Z24 chassis, based onIsuzu D-Max | |
| Padra Plus | 2021 | Upgraded Padra with enhanced features | |
| Karun | 2022 | New pickup with Z24 mechanicals |
Models assembled, distributed, or in limited production:
| Active manufacturers | |
|---|---|
| Joint ventures | |
| Defunct manufacturers | |
| Components | |
| See also | |
