Pars Khodro

Pars Khodro (Persian: پارس خودرو‎‎) is an Iranian automobile manufacturer. It was the first manufacturer of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in Iran.

History

Formerly, Pars Khodro built American Motors' Rambler and General Motors (GM) products under licence. Its first cars, the Aria and the Shahin, were based on AMC's compact 1966 Rambler American and were launched in 1967. Production ended in 1974. It also built Jeep vehicles under licence. The company was called Sherkat-Sahami Jeep at that time.

In June 1972, Sherkat-Sahami inked a deal with GM and formed General Motors Iran Ltd. GM Iran produced Opels under licence, using the Chevrolet brand. These models featured 2.5 and 2.8 litre engines. In addition, a Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet (Nova) were built, along with a Chevrolet pick-up truck. The Jeep continued during this time. These were built until 1981, the Iranian Revolution forcing the cessation of their manufacture and links with GM.

Afterward, Pars Khodro switched to the manufacture of the Nissan Patrol under licence. The last Patrol was produced in 2002.