Kerman Motor Unveils Its First National Hatchback: Introducing the KMC Shadow
Khodrocar - Kerman Motor has officially unveiled the KMC Shadow as its latest domestically developed product, marking the introduction of the company’s first national hatchback. Developed with an investment of approximately 3 trillion tomans and relying on in-house technology, the new model is scheduled to enter the market in Ordibehesht 1405.
The production line for the new vehicle was inaugurated at the Arg-e Jadid industrial zone in Bam in the presence of Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, Executive Deputy to the President. With the launch of the KMC Shadow, Kerman Motor has taken another step toward expanding its domestic product portfolio, upgrading technological capabilities, and strengthening the automotive value chain in Iran. As the automaker’s first national hatchback, the Shadow represents the result of significant capital investment, deep collaboration with local parts suppliers, and a focused effort to develop technical expertise within the country.
The design and development project for the KMC Shadow has reached the production stage following an investment of around 3 trillion tomans. According to company plans, annual production and sales capacity has been set at 50,000 units, reflecting Kerman Motor’s long-term industrial outlook for the project.
In the field of body design and production, the KMC Shadow is the direct outcome of the engineering and design team at Kerman Motor’s Product Development Division. The exterior design and body structure are based on the proprietary PS1 platform. Production of all body components using approximately 400 body molds, manufacturing of interior and exterior trim parts with 150 plastic injection molds, and the application of hot stamping technology to increase body strength while reducing weight have all been carried out entirely within the company. This approach has played a significant role in increasing localization depth and strengthening production independence.
Through the acquisition, development, and localization of the PS1 platform and its application in the Eagle sedan and the Shadow hatchback, Kerman Motor has initiated one of its most extensive collaborations with Iran’s parts manufacturing industry. More than 80 percent of the vehicle’s components are produced domestically by Iranian suppliers, making the project one of the most comprehensive examples of cooperation between the automaker and the local supply chain.
In line with regulations and requirements set by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, measures including proprietary platform development, complete in-house vehicle design and engineering, mold and body production, localization of powertrain systems, and domestic manufacturing of engine, body, and trim components qualify the KMC Shadow as a national vehicle. Following the Eagle, the Shadow hatchback becomes the second domestically developed product added to Kerman Motor’s lineup through large-scale private sector investment.
The Eagle and Shadow models have been designed and developed on the PS1 platform with the flexibility to support petrol, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. This strategy was incorporated from the earliest stages of design, shaping the vehicle’s technical architecture and engineering infrastructure. The approach demonstrates Kerman Motor’s technical mastery of the platform and its vehicle development processes. This level of flexibility positions the company to adapt its products in line with technological advancements and future market requirements. Prototype versions equipped with clean powertrains are scheduled to be produced next year to complete final testing and validation phases.
In terms of equipment and features, the KMC Shadow is positioned as a modern hatchback with a comprehensive list of comfort and safety technologies. These include six-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, an electronic parking brake, wireless charging, an electronic gear selector, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, a 10-inch central display, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Mass production of the petrol-powered version of the national Shadow hatchback will begin soon, with the vehicle set to enter the market in Ordibehesht 1405 at a competitive price compared with other hatchbacks currently available. With its focus on domestic design, in-house technology, and responsiveness to market demand, the KMC Shadow is expected to establish a new position within both the company’s product portfolio and Iran’s automotive market.
