IKCO Samand (Iran Khodro)

IKCO, which stands for Iran Khodro Company, is the leading automobile manufacturer in Iran and the largest in the Middle East region. Founded in 1962 by the Khayami brothers as Iran National, the brand initially gained prominence through the production of the Paykan, a car modeled after the Hillman Hunter. Over the decades, the company evolved from assembly kits to developing domestic platforms, with the Samand being one of its most recognizeable 'national' cars.

Today, IKCO is a state-affiliated giant that maintains a massive manufacturing complex in Tehran while operating various assembly plants in countries such as Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Syria to serve regional markets. Its ownership is tightly linked to the Iranian government through the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO), which holds a significant stake in the company.

The brand is known for its hybrid approach to manufacturing, combining domestic engineering with licensed technologies. For years, IKCO has maintained a strong partnership with French automakers, particularly PSA (Peugeot Citroën), which has heavily influenced its vehicle lineup. Despite international sanctions, the company remains a central pillar of the Iranian economy, focusing on self-sufficiency and regional export strategies.