Morocco is on the verge of a major milestone in its automotive journey: by the end of this year, it could surpass Italy in total vehicle production. That shift would mark more than just a symbolic victory—it would reflect a dramatic transformation in the country’s industrial landscape and its rising status as a global player in manufacturing.
The progress over the past 15 years has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2010, Morocco produced just 40,000 vehicles. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has surged to nearly 560,000, according to data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) cited by elEconomista. This explosive growth has pushed Morocco to 25th place globally, ahead of several established European producers like Poland and Hungary.
Momentum has only accelerated in 2025. In the first half of the year alone, over 350,000 vehicles rolled off Moroccan assembly lines—a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024. If this pace holds, Morocco could outpace Italy, which produced just over 591,000 vehicles last year.
This performance isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of a carefully built model that blends a skilled and cost-effective workforce with world-class infrastructure and strategically developed industrial zones. Global giants Renault and Stellantis were among the first to see the potential, investing heavily in advanced production facilities in Tangier and Kenitra that now meet or exceed international standards.
Geography has played a key role as well. Morocco’s close proximity to Europe gives it a natural logistical edge—shorter transport routes and lower shipping costs—making it an attractive hub for export-oriented manufacturing. Around these major factories, a dense and growing network of suppliers has taken root, gradually increasing the level of local value creation and industrial sophistication.
Now, the country is entering a new phase. With the global auto industry shifting toward electric mobility, Morocco is becoming a magnet for international companies—especially Chinese firms—specializing in EV components. This new wave of investment signals a move up the value chain, positioning Morocco not just as a low-cost assembly site, but as a rising center for advanced automotive technology.
In this context, Morocco’s competition with Italy—long a symbol of automotive heritage through brands like Fiat and Ferrari—is telling. While Italy’s reputation rests on history and legacy, Morocco is emerging as a serious, forward-looking contender: a cost-competitive, innovation-driven hub that’s aligning itself with the future of global mobility.
