Say Hello to the Sinbad SUV...from Iran
22 May 2000
Iran targets younger drivers with a new-look sport utility vehicle Tehran - Hoping to earn some much needed export revenue, and capitalize on the growing domestic market for SUVs, Kish Khodro Company has launched its first ever vehicle, the Sinbad. Production of the two-door Sinbad is slated to begin at 5,000 units per year, moving up to 15,000 annually. Four door and sports model units are also projected for the future. Approximate price for the two door model is about $10,000. It will have a body made of fiberglass and a 90 hp engine. A joint venture between private Iranian investors, a government bank, and two outside companies had been set-up to plan and finance the enterprise. Headquarters for the joint venture is on the Gulf island of Kish, which is one of three 'freeports' established by the Iranians to encourage foreign investments. A British engineering group, BMS Management, designed the vehicle. They are said to hold less than 10% of the ownership of the JV. Renault is expected to supply parts for the Sinbad. MJR