Early years (1965–1980)
SAIPA began operations in 1965, assembling Citroën vehicles for the domestic market.[11] The company's first major product was the Citroën 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 the Baby-Brousse, a utility vehicle similar to the Citroën 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 the Renault 5 and later the Renault 21. Production of Citroën vehicles ceased in 1980 following the company's name change to SAIPA.[14]
Expansion and partnerships (1986–2000)
From 1986 to 1998, SAIPA produced the Z24 pickup truck, a licensed version of the 1970–1980 Nissan 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 when Pars Khodro took over the production lines, and the Renault 21 was discontinued in 1997.[14] In 1993, SAIPA established a partnership with Kia Motors, beginning production of the Kia Pride.[15] The Pride, marketed as Saba (saloon) and Nasim (hatchback), achieved 97% local content production.[14][16]
Modern development (2001–present)
From 2001 to late 2010, SAIPA produced the Citroën Xantia under license.[19] Between May 2005 and late 2012, the company assembled the previous generation Kia Rio using parts imported from South Korea.[20]
In 2002, SAIPA introduced the 141, a liftback version of the Saba. The 132 model followed in 2007, and the 111 in 2009.[21] In November 2008, SAIPA introduced the domestically developed "SAIPA National Engine 231".[22]
The Tiba, 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 with ABS, and averaged 7 liters per 100 kilometers.[23]
