Cihan Motors: Building Automotive Leadership in Iraq Since 1997

Over the past three decades, Iraq’s automotive sector has undergone significant transformation. Among the companies that have played a defining role in shaping this evolution is Cihan Motors, the automotive division of Cihan Group.

Founded in 1997, Cihan Motors emerged during one of the most challenging economic periods in Iraq’s modern history. With UN approval during the embargo years (1997–1998), the company began importing vehicles — laying the foundation for what would later become one of the country’s most structured automotive operations.

A Turning Point: Direct Toyota Imports from Japan

A major milestone came in 2004, when Cihan Motors became the first private Iraqi company to import Toyota vehicles directly from Japan through Tomen Corporation.

This step marked a significant shift in the market, introducing structured, manufacturer-backed distribution into a sector that had long relied on informal import channels.

That same year, Cihan Motors was officially appointed as an authorized Toyota dealer in Iraq and opened its first showroom in Erbil.

Since then, the company has imported more than 100,000 Toyota vehicles, establishing one of the most recognizable automotive networks in the country.

Infrastructure & 3S Operational Standards

Cihan Motors operates a fully authorized 3S network (Sales, Service, Spare Parts) across:

• Erbil
• Sulaymaniyah
• Duhok

Today, the company runs nine Toyota facilities authorized by Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan — reflecting adherence to global standards in aftersales service, customer care, and operational excellence.

In 2015, Cihan Motors became part of the broader Toyota Iraq dealer network, continuing to upgrade facilities and strengthen operational benchmarks in line with international standards.

Beyond Distribution: Structured Automotive Projects

Cihan Motors has also contributed to organized fleet mobility initiatives in the region, including:

• The Beige Color Toyota Taxi Project
• The Farmers Union Project in Kurdistan

These programs supported more structured vehicle procurement and mobility solutions within key economic sectors.

Portfolio Diversification & Expansion

Responding to market demand beyond passenger vehicles, Cihan Motors expanded its portfolio to include:

• Hino and Kawasaki heavy machinery (2005)
• Geely vehicles in later years

This diversification reinforced its position as a multi-segment automotive player across Kurdistan and Iraq.

Organizational Scale & Long-Term Vision

Headquartered in Erbil, Cihan Motors has evolved into a dominant automotive force in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The Cihan Automotive Division represents more than distribution — it reflects organizational discipline, structured OEM partnerships, and long-term investment in infrastructure and human capital.

Its growth has been built on:

• Manufacturer-backed partnerships
• Authorized 3S infrastructure
• Fleet-scale project execution
• Long-term brand alignment

Industry Perspective

As Iraq’s automotive ecosystem continues to evolve — with new global entrants, expanding Chinese brands, and growing interest in electrification — established players like Cihan Motors highlight the importance of structured operations and after-sales credibility.

For Iraq’s automotive market to mature further, the pillars remain clear:

• Manufacturer-backed distribution
• 3S operational integrity
• After-sales infrastructure
• Long-term brand trust

At iQ Cars, we continue to document and analyze the companies shaping Iraq’s mobility landscape.

The story of Cihan Motors is not simply one of vehicle imports — it is a story of resilience, infrastructure development, and long-term industry building.