Chinese carmaker GAC has launched in Morocco, adding another name to the growing list of Chinese brands selling cars in the country. The company has entered the market through local distributor M Automotiv, which is introducing three SUVs with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The models target different buyers, from city drivers to families looking for larger vehicles.
The entry-level Emzoom starts at 199,900 dirhams. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 177hp and 270Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.
The compact SUV reaches 100km/h in about eight seconds and has a top speed of 190km/h. GAC says fuel consumption ranges from 5.9 to 6.1 litres per 100km.
The Emzoom is 4.41 metres long and has a 2.65 metre wheelbase. Boot space is 341 litres and increases to 1,271 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Inside, buyers get a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a seven-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay, smartphone connectivity, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
The Emkoo hybrid starts at 279,900 dirhams. It combines a 2.0 litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 235hp through a dedicated hybrid transmission.
GAC says the self-charging hybrid uses 4.8 litres of fuel per 100km. The SUV is 4.68 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2.75 metres.
The cabin includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chip, heated and ventilated front seats, an air quality monitoring system and Level 2 driver assistance technology.
The range is topped by the S7 plug-in hybrid, priced from 419,900 dirhams.
The large family SUV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors to produce 501hp and 613Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Power comes from a 36.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. GAC says the SUV can travel up to 180km on electric power under the CLTC test cycle, or around 130 to 150km in everyday driving. Total driving range is more than 1,020km with a full battery and fuel tank.
The battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in 17 minutes using a DC fast charger.
The S7 measures 4.9 metres long and offers a 720 litre boot. It comes with Nappa leather seats, heating, ventilation and massage functions for the first two rows, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, an optional 17.3-inch rear entertainment screen, a 22-speaker sound system and roof-mounted LiDAR sensors that support Level 2 plus assisted driving.
M Automotiv has opened three dealerships for the brand, including two in Casablanca and one in Tangier. The company plans to expand the network as sales grow.
Founded in 1997, GAC is one of China’s biggest carmakers. It built vehicles through joint ventures with Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi before developing its own global brands. The company has also partnered with Huawei to develop connected vehicles and intelligent driving systems.
The launch comes as Chinese manufacturers continue to expand across the Moroccan market. Brands including BYD, Chery, Geely, MG, JAC, Exeed and Soueast have introduced more hybrid and electric vehicles with advanced technology at prices that compete with established European, Japanese and Korean rivals.
Morocco is North Africa’s largest vehicle producer, building more than 500,000 vehicles each year through Renault and Stellantis factories. Chinese brands are now increasing their share of the retail market by expanding dealer networks and introducing new models.
M Automotiv already distributes Renault, Dacia, Alpine, KGM, JAC, Exeed and Soueast.
