Kerman Motor

What Kerman Motor does

Kerman Motor (کرمان موتور), founded in 1394 (2015), is Iran's largest private automaker, operating as a subsidiary within the diversified Kerman Khodro Group (گروه اقتصادی کرمان خودرو). The company is headquartered in Tehran with primary manufacturing in the Bam New Special Economic Zone in Kerman Province, employing 11,000+ direct workers — one of the largest employers in southeastern Iran. It runs a multi-brand portfolio: the proprietary KMC line spanning sedans (J7, Eagle), SUVs (X5, A5), pickups (T8, T9), and the indigenous Shadow hatchback; alongside licensed JAC vehicles (J4, S3, S5, EV variants) and Skywell EVs distributed in Iran.

The company's core technology asset is the proprietary PS1 vehicle platform, which underpins multiple KMC models and is engineered to accommodate internal combustion, hybrid, and full-electric powertrains. Technical capabilities include 1.5L TGDI turbocharged engines with gasoline direct injection, 6-speed and 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmissions, hot-stamped body structures, and a hybrid-electric variant (KMC Eagle HEV) currently in final testing. R&D is anchored by an Automotive Test Center in Bam and a Meta Software Development Center co-established with Sharif University of Technology. Local content reaches approximately 80% in the KMC Shadow program, which was developed with a 3,000 billion Toman investment.

Kerman Motor generates revenue primarily through vehicle sales via an authorized dealer network, online sales portals, and corporate and government sales programs. Ancillary streams include after-sales service and parts (through the Bam Khodro subsidiary), vehicle financing (KMC Leasing), a peer-to-peer digital marketplace (Sigma platform), and roadside assistance (Emdad app). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is set through market conditions and government regulation across multiple sales programs — cash pre-sale, installment sale, immediate cash, installment immediate, and Bourse (Mercantile Exchange) sales. Customers span individual consumers (the primary segment), government organizations, and corporate fleet buyers in the domestic Iranian market.

Name

Kerman Motor

Legal name

Kerman Motor (کرمان موتور)

Website

https://kermanmotor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Kerman Motor is Iran's largest private automaker, producing and distributing sedans, SUVs, pickups, and EVs under the KMC brand alongside licensed JAC and Skywell lines through a nationwide dealer network, online portals, and leasing services, primarily serving Iranian individual, corporate, and government buyers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Passenger Vehicles

NAICS

Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing (336110), Motor Vehicle Manufacturing (3361)

SIC

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Passenger Vehicle Fuel System Manufacturing (ICE) (IMACAAAH)

Keywords

• Passenger vehicle manufacturing
• Automotive assembly
• Vehicle after-sales services
• Auto financing leasing
• Automotive parts distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Iran

HQ country

Iran

HQ region

Middle East

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vehicle Sales: Primary revenue stream from sale of automobiles under KMC and JAC brands including sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks.
2. After-Sales Services and Parts: Revenue from authorized service centers, spare parts sales, and warranty services through subsidiary Bam Khodro.
3. Leasing Services: Vehicle financing through KMC Leasing offering installment purchase programs.
4. Sigma Platform: Digital marketplace platform for buying and selling Kerman Motor vehicles.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kerman Motor designs, manufactures, and distributes passenger vehicles under its proprietary KMC brand (sedans, SUVs, pickups, hatchbacks built on the in-house PS1 platform) and distributes licensed JAC and Hyundai/Skywell vehicles in Iran. The company operates full in-house production (stamping, welding, painting, assembly) at its Bam facility, and offers comprehensive after-sales services through its Bam Khodro subsidiary, vehicle financing via KMC Leasing, and digital customer platforms (Sigma, Emdad, AI chatbot).

Product overview

Kerman Motor (کرمان موتور) is Iran's largest private automobile manufacturer, producing and distributing a diversified portfolio of vehicles under its proprietary KMC brand alongside licensed JAC products. The KMC brand centers on the internally developed PS1 platform, which underpins the KMC J7 fastback sedan, KMC X5 compact SUV, KMC Eagle sedan (available in petrol and hybrid HEV variants), KMC T9 and T8 pickup trucks, KMC A5 crossover, and the domestically designed KMC SHADOW hatchback. The JAC lineup includes the J4 sedan, S3, S5, and electric variants. Supporting the vehicle business, Kerman Motor offers a suite of digital services including the Sigma app (vehicle buying/selling platform), the Emdad roadside assistance app, KMC Leasing (financing), an online sales portal, and an AI-powered after-sales chatbot integrated across digital channels. The company also operates an Automotive Test Center and manages a CVC Research & Technology Fund for investing in automotive startups and technology ventures.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KMC: Primary brand for vehicles assembled/manufactured by Kerman Motor including J7, X5, T8, T9, A5, SR3, SR6, and Shadow
• Sigma
• KITO NEXT
• PS1 Platform

Products and services

• KMC J7 (کی ام سی J7) A fastback sedan and flagship model of Kerman Motor. Equipped with a 1.5L Turbo GDI petrol engine producing 172 HP and 280 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission. Features 6 airbags, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster (7-inch), and 10.4-inch central display. Built on the proprietary PS1 platform. Target users: premium sedan buyers in Iran.
• KMC X5 (کی ام سی X5) A compact SUV and the highest-production model in Kerman Motor's portfolio with over 103,828 units produced cumulatively. Equipped with a 1.5L TGDI turbo petrol engine, 6-speed DCT, 18-inch aluminum wheels, panoramic sunroof with obstacle detection, Auto Hold, 12.8-inch display, 10 speakers plus subwoofer, 360-degree camera, and keyless entry with push-button start. Built on the proprietary PS1 platform. Target users: Iranian family SUV buyers.
• KMC Shadow / KMC STO (کی‌ام‌سی شدو) Iran's first domestically designed hatchback produced by a private automaker. Built entirely on Kerman Motor's proprietary PS1 platform with approximately 80% locally sourced parts. Investment of ~3,000 billion Tomans. Planned annual production/sales capacity of 50,000 units. Features 6-way electric driver and passenger seat adjustment, seat heaters, sunroof, keyless entry/start, electric parking brake, wireless charger, electronic gear shifter, and 10-inch central display. Supports petrol, hybrid, and full-electric powertrains on the same platform architecture. Target users: entry-level Iranian hatchback buyers seeking locally produced vehicle.
• KMC Eagle / KMC Eagle HEV (کی ام سی ایگل / ایگل هیبرید) A domestically developed sedan and the first fully indigenous product of Kerman Motor. Based on the proprietary PS1 platform. Available in petrol and hybrid (Eagle HEV) variants sharing the same platform architecture, designed to accommodate multiple powertrain types including future electric versions. Target users: Iranian buyers seeking domestically engineered sedan.
• KMC T9 (کی ام سی T9) A pickup truck (UTES) with advanced off-road capabilities. Features a 1.5L TGDI turbo petrol engine, 6-speed DCT automatic transmission, electronic gear shifter, 360-degree camera, TPMS, and ESC stability control. Covered by a 5-year/150,000 km warranty for non-commercial use. Target users: commercial vehicle buyers and off-road pickup users in Iran.
• KMC T8 (کی ام سی T8) An urban pickup truck with off-road capability. Features body design with side steps, pronounced wheel arches, suitable rims, and a simple proportional interior. Equipped with ESC, TPMS, keyless entry, Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear window heater, and cruise control. Covered by a 3-year/60,000 km warranty for non-commercial use. Target users: urban pickup buyers and small commercial operators.
• KMC A5 (کی ام سی A5) A compact SUV built on Kerman Motor's proprietary PS1 platform. Features a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with direct injection, 7-speed DCT, 16-inch aluminum wheels, reverse parking sensors, and a 10.23-inch central display. Covered by a 5-year/150,000 km warranty. Target users: compact SUV buyers in Iran.
• KMC SR3 (کی ام سی SR3) An entry-level compact vehicle in the KMC lineup. Features include sunroof, reverse parking camera, 8-speaker audio system, and reverse sensors. Designed for urban and cost-conscious buyers. Target users: entry-level Iranian car buyers seeking affordable compact vehicle.
• KMC SR6 (کی ام سی SR6) A compact vehicle in the KMC SR series. Positioned as an entry-to-mid segment model with standard comfort and technology features. Target users: entry-to-mid segment compact car buyers in Iran.
• JAC Products (محصولات جک) Vehicles under the JAC brand distributed by Kerman Motor, including J4 (sedan), JAC S3 (compact SUV with CVT), JAC S5 (SUV with 2.0L turbo or 1.5L GDI engines), and JAC S5 1.5 GDI. Also includes electric variants JAC-EV (commercial and non-commercial). Warranties range from 3-year/60,000 km to 5-year/150,000 km depending on model. Target users: buyers seeking JAC brand vehicles in Iran.
• EV-Skywell (Skywell برقی) Electric vehicle under the Skywell brand distributed by Kerman Motor. Covered by a 5-year/150,000 km warranty for non-commercial use. Represents Kerman Motor's entry into the electric vehicle segment. Target users: Iranian buyers seeking electric passenger vehicle.
• KMC Leasing (لیزینگ کرمان موتور) A financing and leasing service for Kerman Motor vehicles. Offers installment purchase plans and lease-to-own arrangements for customers purchasing vehicles through the KMC dealer network. Target users: Iranian consumers and businesses seeking installment financing for vehicle purchase.
• Sigma App (اپلیکیشن سیگما) A mobile application platform for buying and selling Kerman Motor vehicles. Available on Android (Cafebazaar, Myket) and iOS (SibApp, iApps, Sibche). Connects buyers with Kerman Motor's sales ecosystem and enables peer-to-peer vehicle resale within the Kerman Motor installed base. Target users: Kerman Motor vehicle owners and prospective buyers.
• Emdad Kerman Motor Roadside Assistance App (اپلیکیشن امداد کرمان موتور) A mobile application providing after-sales roadside assistance services. Available on Android (Cafebazaar, Myket) and iOS (SibApp, iApps). Features include appointment scheduling at authorized dealerships, service history tracking, and access to emergency roadside assistance. Target users: Kerman Motor vehicle owners.
• Online Sales Portal (فروش اینترنتی) An internet-based vehicle sales portal enabling customers to register for sales plans, complete purchases, track vehicle status, and manage payment installments online without visiting a dealership in person. Target users: Iranian consumers purchasing Kerman Motor vehicles.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% local content in KMC Shadow hatchback
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Knowledge-Based Companies and Startups EcosystemcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 April 1405Through the CVC venture capital fund, Kerman Motor invests in and supports knowledge-based companies and startups in automotive technology.
• Sharif University of Technology (دانشگاه صنعتی شریف)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 August 1402Partnership for establishing Meta Software Development Center at the university. Joint research and development of automotive software technologies. Collaboration through KITO NEXT innovation events.
• University of Science and Industry Iran (دانشگاه علم و صنعت ایران)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 August 1402MoU signed for deepening industry-university collaboration. KITO NEXT innovation event venue. Design workshop collaboration with industrial design department.
• Bam Khodro (خدمات و تجارت بم خودرو)coreOthersAfter-sales service subsidiary handling warranty services, spare parts distribution, authorized dealer network management, and digital customer services.
• JAC Motors (جی‌ای‌سی)coreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing partnership for production of JAC vehicles in Iran under CKD and local production arrangements.
• Hyundai/KTLmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Hyundai vehicle production and distribution in Iran.
• KMC Leasing (لیزینگ کرمان موتور)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDedicated leasing company for vehicle financing and installment purchase programs.
• Sigma (سیگما)minorOthersTechnology partner for Sigma digital platform for buying and selling Kerman Motor vehicles.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Iran Khodro: Iran's largest state-owned automaker producing passenger vehicles (Peugeot-derived platforms, Samand, Runna, Tara). Directly competes with Kerman Motor across Iran's passenger car market with broader model range and government backing.
• SAIPA: Iran's second-largest state-owned automaker (Tiba, Quick, Saina, Shahin platforms). Directly competes with Kerman Motor in entry-level passenger cars and benefits from state subsidies and preferential supplier access.
• Bahman Group: Iranian private automotive group that assembles and distributes vehicles including vans, pickups, and SUVs (with Changan and FAW partnerships). A directly comparable private-sector peer competing in similar segments with similar business model.
• MVM (Modiran Vehicle Manufacturing): Iranian private automaker assembling Chery, Geely, and MVM-branded vehicles. Directly competes with Kerman Motor as another private OEM in Iran's passenger vehicle market with similar Chinese-brand CKD arrangements.
• JAC Motors: Chinese automaker and Kerman Motor's technology partner for CKD production of J4, S3, S5 models. While a partner in Iran, JAC also distributes independently in other emerging markets, making it a directly comparable OEM in adjacent product segments.

Broad incumbents

• Geely: Major Chinese OEM with significant presence in Iran through local assembly partnerships (with MVM and others). Operates broader portfolio of passenger vehicles globally and competes indirectly with Kerman Motor's sedan/SUV lineup.
• Renault: Historic foreign OEM in Iran (pre-sanctions Renault Tondar/Dacia Logan production via Iran Khodro). A broad incumbent comparable through its prior Iran operating model and re-entry optionality should sanctions evolve.
• Hyundai Motor Company: Korean automaker and former Kerman Motor distribution partner via KTL. Comparable through prior Hyundai Iran presence and its broader global small/mid-size sedan and SUV portfolio that overlaps with KMC products.

Emerging players

• Chery: Chinese OEM with growing Iran presence via CKD assembly at MVM. Comparable as an emerging foreign-brand assembler in the Iranian passenger vehicle market with overlapping sedan/SUV offerings.
• BYD: Chinese EV/PHEV leader expanding across emerging markets including Iran-adjacent geographies. Relevant peer for Kerman Motor's emerging EV strategy via Skywell and Eagle HEV given BYD's price-competitive hybrid and EV powertrains targeting similar buyer segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xt.me/kmccompany
• YouTubeaparat.com/kermanmotor
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kerman-motor
• Instagraminstagram.com/kermanmotor
• Facebookfacebook.com/Kermanmotor2203

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kerman Motor