Morocco announced on Monday the production of its first locally made car, and also unveiled a prototype of a hydrogen-powered vehicle developed by a Moroccan citizen.
Morocco's King Mohammed VI presided over the presentation ceremony of the first prototype car from a Moroccan manufacturer, as well as a prototype of a hydrogen-powered vehicle developed by Morocco, two innovative projects that will strengthen the "Made in Morocco" brand and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a competitive platform for car production, MAP reported.
The local car was made by New Motors, a company financed by Moroccan capital, the agency said.
She also noted that the prototype of the hydrogen vehicle belongs to NamX, and has been called a "hydrogen utility vehicle" (HUV, Hydrogen Utility Vehicle).
New Motors has set up an industrial unit in Ain Odeh, south of Rabat, to manufacture cars destined for the local market and export.
The annual production capacity is expected to reach 27,65 units, with a local integration rate of <>%.
The total investment in this project is expected to reach AED 156 million ($15.5 million), with the potential to create 580 jobs.
HM the King Chairs Ceremony of Presentation of Prototype of Morocco's First Public-Oriented Car and a Prototype of a Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle at Moroccan Initiative https://t.co/bOGq0qKgs3 pic.twitter.com/MFngYq9nxN
— Agence MAP (@MAP_Information) May 15, 2023
In February, Morocco's National Road Safety Agency granted final approval for the first vehicle.
The company has overseen the launch of the initial series of production, and plans to launch this industrial unit in June and launch the marketing process.
Hydrogen Vehicle
Regarding the prototype of the hydrogen vehicle for NAMEX, the statement added that it was designed in partnership with the Italian design office specialized in car bodies (Pininfarina), while the interior design of the vehicle was approved by Moroccan competencies.
The vehicle will be powered by hydrogen via a central tank that will be reinforced with 6 removable capsules, which will enable the battery to be provided with significant capacity and facilitate hydrogen charging in a few minutes.
The Kingdom of Morocco produces 700,90 cars annually, <>% of which are exported to Europe and other countries.
There are 10 industrial systems related to the automotive industry in Morocco, related to electrical wires, mechanics, batteries, seats and car tires, in an attempt to achieve an integrated system to manufacture a 100% Moroccan car, which was announced on Monday.