Kerman Motor expands in Russia with renamed JAC platforms

For years it has been noted that Iran’s automotive scene includes manufacturers like Iran Khodro IKCO and SAIPA, which showcased their vehicles during the summer at the Comtrans exhibition in Moscow. Those demonstrations helped establish a clearer picture of how Iranian car makers were positioning themselves with respect to Russia and other markets. The latest development in this ongoing narrative centers on a smaller yet increasingly visible Iranian player, Kerman Motor Company, commonly abbreviated as KMC. According to reports from the Drome portal, which cites industry sources, KMC is preparing to expand its footprint in Russia with a lineup that leverages established global platforms. In practice, this means KMC will assemble vehicles under three brands that are familiar to regional buyers through broader corporate family ties: MVM, Fownix, and KMC itself. The MVM line has recently taken on new branding as a low-cost option linked to Chery, Fownix is positioned as a flagship variant associated with Chery, and KMC’s own name is tied to the familiar JAC product family. This strategy signals a focus on leveraging well-known engineering and design synergies to enter a competitive market with speed and scale.