The global automotive industry is passing through a historic turning point; a stage where traditional boundaries between automotive manufacturing, aerospace industries, and digital technologies are fading. In this context, domestic automakers are also striving not to fall behind in the technology race.
The third event of “Kerman Motor Innovation and Technology Opportunities” (KITONEXT), held at Shahid Beheshti University on November 23, 2025 (2 Azar 1404), unveiled the new ambitions of this private company. The event demonstrated that Kerman Motor, beyond assembling or producing conventional cars, seeks to claim a share of the future of transportation in two strategic domains: Flying Taxis (eVTOL) and Hybrid Technologies. This analytical report examines the technical, economic, and challenging aspects of this roadmap.
The Vertical Flight Revolution: Kerman Motor’s eVTOL Strategy
A decade ago, talking about flying taxis in Iran resembled science fiction. Yet, statements by Abolfazl Khalkhali, Deputy of Product Development at Kerman Motor, show that the company has a structured plan to enter this field.
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles (eVTOLs), as one of the main trends in future transportation, hold great potential to solve megacity problems such as those in Tehran. According to data presented at the event, these vehicles can reduce travel time by up to 70%—a highly tempting figure for capital residents stuck in traffic.
From a technical perspective, the major advantage of eVTOLs is eliminating the need for wide and long runways. This feature enables the creation of vertiports in various urban locations, from skyscraper rooftops to open city spaces. In addition, their electric propulsion minimizes noise and environmental pollution, in stark contrast to costly and noisy traditional helicopters. Higher safety due to multiple engines (redundancy) and lower maintenance costs compared to combustion aircraft are further justifications for entering this industry.
10-Year Roadmap: From Cargo Logistics to Passenger Transport
Kerman Motor has adopted a gradual and cautious approach toward achieving eVTOL technology, reflecting its understanding of the complexity of this field. The company’s 10-year plan is defined in four operational phases.
- Phase One: Focus on developing cargo platforms. This allows engineers to test and calibrate propulsion systems, flight stability, and AI guidance without endangering human lives.
- Later Phases: Emergency and rescue applications, such as delivering medical equipment or blood to accident sites during heavy traffic.
- Final Goal: Achieving technical know-how and producing a four-passenger flying taxi. Establishing the Flying Taxi Project Office at Shahid Beheshti University reflects the company’s serious determination to leverage academic expertise for localizing this complex technology.
Transition to Clean Vehicles: Local Development of Hybrid Gearboxes
While eyes were on the skies, another part of KITONEXT focused on more tangible realities of the automotive industry.
Dr. Manouchehr Manteghi, Deputy Minister of Transportation Industries at the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade, emphasized the vital importance of investing in clean vehicles. Given the imbalance in gasoline supply and pressure to reduce emissions, moving toward Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) is no longer a luxury but a national necessity.
In this regard, Kerman Motor has initiated a project to develop hybrid gearboxes. These gearboxes (often of the DHT type, designed specifically for hybrids) are the beating heart of power transmission, managing the complex balance between combustion engines and electric motors. Localizing or acquiring deep technical knowledge in this strategic component can significantly reduce foreign currency dependency in producing fuel-efficient cars and make final product prices more competitive.
Market Outlook and Technological Competition
Kerman Motor’s move toward producing key components for electric and hybrid vehicles is a response to rapid changes in global and regional markets. With the widespread entry of Chinese EVs and hybrids into Iran, automakers that rely only on assembling outdated gasoline models will soon lose market share.
Developing hybrid gearboxes domestically gives Kerman Motor the flexibility to equip diverse platforms with modern powertrains and enhances resilience in its supply chain against currency fluctuations and sanctions.
Position Analysis and Challenges Ahead
Events like KITONEXT and collaborations with leading universities such as Shahid Beheshti send a positive signal of changing perspectives within automotive management. Bridging the gap between academia and industry can create real added value. However, analysts believe the path ahead is not smooth and multiple challenges exist.
Strengths and Potential Bottlenecks
- Strengths: Early entry into future-oriented technologies. Even if eVTOLs do not reach commercial products in the short term, Kerman Motor’s brand will be established as a pioneering, knowledge-based company. Focusing on hybrid gearboxes also targets an immediate and guaranteed market need.
- Challenges: Regulatory and infrastructural barriers are the biggest obstacles. For flying taxis, urban air mobility (UAM) regulations are not yet fully developed globally, especially in Iran. Security issues, flight permits, and air traffic control may prove more complex than the technology itself. In hybrids, battery supply and advanced power electronics remain underdeveloped domestically. Success for Kerman Motor depends on sustained investment, managerial stability, and constructive engagement with aviation and industrial regulators.