Auto-making giant Iran Khodro Company (IKCO) has unveiled its first hybrid vehicle, in a move aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

""In line with the nation's Automotive Policy Council Bill, IKCO has decided to develop hybrid technology,"" a press release quoted the company's deputy CEO Mir Javad Soleimani as saying on Wednesday.
IKCO's hybrid Samand LX will hit the market in March.
Soleimani added that Iran Khodro Powertrain Co. (IPCO) experts have played a significant role in achieving this goal.
""Hybrid vehicles receive a part of their required power from electric engines and the rest from internal combustion,"" he noted adding, ""hybrid vehicles are produced in three categories: micro-hybrid, mild hybrid and macro-hybrid. IKCO products are categorized under micro ones.""
""Fuel-saving degree in hybrid cars varies depending on traffic situation, but normally it is between 12 and 30 percent,"" Soleimani explained.
""IKCO hybrid cars with EF7 engines meet Euro IV standard requirements.""
IKCO was founded in 1962 and is currently regarded as the biggest carmaker in the Middle East. The automaker made 688,000 passenger cars in 2009.
(Source: Press TV)