![]() Hyundai, the Korean carmaker, which recently quit Algeria, may now consider setting up in Morocco, according to reports. BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government to open a plant in Kenitra that could mark a further technological step change. In 2019, Peugeot opened a $600m plant in Kenitra, north of Rabat, which has started to produce the Peugeot 208 and will have capacity to make 200,000 vehicles by the end of the year. There are strong signs the industry will expand further. For entry-level cars like Renault’s Dacia brand, where labour makes up a higher proportion of the vehicle cost, that is a key incentive for locating in Morocco, says Nassif. Labour costs are about one quarter of those in Spain and lower than in eastern Europe. Moroccan lenders shore up small businesses but risks loomĬasablanca financial hub’s fortunes tied to national economic strategyĬlean energy dividend evades Moroccan citizens Decem12:08 PM China automakers order their own ships to get export ready China recently overtook Germany as the worlds second-largest auto exporter, but the number of car carriers. Morocco asserts its power as diplomatic spats simmer Morocco tourism struggles despite vaccine progress ![]() Pandemic exposes vulnerabilities in Moroccan economyĬritics flag opposition weakness in Morocco’s new parliament During the first half of 2017, Mexico produced 1.9 million vehicles, 1.5 of which were exported. In 2016, the main producers of Mexican automotive exports were: General Motors, Nissan, Fiat Chrysler, Ford Motor and Volkswagen. He says the key is to provide state oversight with rigorous private-sector competition and a strong focus on exports to foreign markets where shortfalls in either efficiency or quality are ruthlessly exposed. Mexico is also the second largest exporter of auto parts and motor vehicles to 26 other states in the US. Joe Studwell, an expert in industrial policy in both Asia and Africa, regards the growth of Morocco’s car industry, particularly in conjunction with the development of Tanger-Med, an industrial port complex, as an example of what governments can do when they are serious. One article on the subject was titled, “Yes, We Plan”. How Morocco has moved from an insignificant car manufacturer just a few decades ago to one challenging the likes of Poland, the Czech Republic and even Italy is a story of state intervention. Locally recruited staff are trained at Moroccan technical institutes, another sign of a determination to push up the value chain. In terms of exports, they also benefit from a suite of Moroccan free trade agreements with Europe, the US, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere. Manufacturers can go to a “single window” in the trade and industry ministry rather than battling against competing bureaucratic fiefdoms, he says. As well as good infrastructure - most recently a new high-speed rail link between Casablanca and Tangier, where the bulk of Renault production takes place - he highlights consistency of policy.
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