The Iranian market will be welcoming yet another Chinese car as the country's second largest carmaker, Saipa, has begun sales of the 'Eado ' model—a compact four-door sedan produced by Changan Automobile Group, Donyaye Khodro reported on Tuesday.
The Eado is produced in line with international standards with aesthetics and upholstery similar to European models.
According to Changan's website, Eado is as well-built as any European sedan in the same class. It comes with a generous amount of standard features with no less than six airbags.
The vehicle is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 110 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit that makes 140 horsepower. Both engines comply with the Euro V set of emission regulations.
Saipa has set the base price of the vehicle at 835 million rials ($25,200 at market exchange rate) with hopes that Eado can take the place of Citroën Xantia in the Iranian market.
As a part of Citroen's strategy for international development in Central Asia, Citroen and SAIPA signed a five-year contract to jointly produce Xantia in 2000. From October 2000 until October 2001, SAIPA produced 18, 000 Citroën Xantias.
Changan is one of the "Big Four" Chinese automakers along with Dongfeng Motor Corporation, FAW Group and SAIC Motor. Changan was founded in 1862 for selling guns. Since the mid-1990s the company has produced cheap passenger vehicles for the Chinese market. Changan now has joint ventures with foreign automakers, including Ford, Suzuki and PSA Peugeot Citroen.
