The iconic SOMACA plant, a cornerstone of Morocco’s automotive sector, has officially launched production of the new Renault Kardian SUV. The debut was celebrated during a press conference attended by key industry figures, including Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, Renault Group Morocco’s General Director, Mohamed Bachiri, along with other top Renault executives. The Kardian, a compact urban SUV, represents a strategic milestone for Renault’s global ambitions, particularly through the 2027 “Renault International Game Plan” where Morocco plays a pivotal role.
Renault’s decision to manufacture the Kardian at SOMACA underscores Morocco’s growing stature as a major production and export platform. Currently, Morocco is Renault Group’s second-largest production hub globally, contributing 17% of Renault’s worldwide sales. The production of this new model not only strengthens Morocco’s position within Renault’s international network but also highlights the competitive advantage and skilled workforce of Morocco’s automotive sector.
Unveiled in October 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, the Renault Kardian is the first of eight new models Renault plans to introduce by 2027. Initially manufactured in Curitiba, Brazil, the Kardian’s production has now expanded to SOMACA in Casablanca, solidifying the plant’s importance in Renault’s growth strategy. Built on a versatile modular platform, the Kardian is designed to appeal to international markets outside of Europe, catering to a wide range of customer preferences with options for varied body styles and customizations.
SOMACA’s introduction of the Renault Kardian is accompanied by significant technological upgrades, particularly in its painting department. The facility now employs the “Bi-Tone” paint process, a first for Renault plants in Morocco. This advanced technique applies two distinct colors to separate the roof from the body, demanding precision and specialized equipment to ensure quality and durability. The adoption of this process highlights SOMACA’s commitment to innovation and high standards in automotive manufacturing.
Local talent has been instrumental in the Kardian’s production launch, with Moroccan engineering and industry teams receiving over 6,000 hours of training to master new techniques in paint application, bodywork, and assembly. This skill development is not only enhancing product quality but also empowering Morocco’s workforce as it gains expertise in cutting-edge manufacturing processes.
The Moroccan-made Renault Kardian is tailored for both domestic sales and export to approximately 15 countries, including Gulf nations, African markets, Ukraine, and Guadeloupe. Moroccan customers can look forward to seeing the Kardian in Renault dealerships by December 2024, as it joins the lineup across the national network.
Minister Ryad Mezzour highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, “The launch of Renault Kardian production at SOMACA signifies a new chapter in the strategic partnership between Morocco and Renault, strengthening our shared goal of positioning Morocco as a key player in the global automotive industry.”
Renault Group Morocco’s Director General, Mohamed Bachiri, added, “With the inclusion of the Kardian, SOMACA continues to elevate its role within Renault’s international production landscape. This year, we will set a new production record, exceeding 100,000 vehicles, demonstrating SOMACA’s strong performance and competitiveness. This momentum supports our goal of achieving a production capacity of 500,000 vehicles annually in Morocco by 2025, with SOMACA reaching 120,000 units by the end of 2024.”
The Renault Kardian’s production launch at SOMACA solidifies Morocco’s position as an essential manufacturing and export hub within Renault’s global operations, showcasing both the expertise of the Moroccan workforce and the nation’s potential as a leader in the automotive industry.
