Hyundai Motor Partners with KOICA to Enhance Public Transport in Marrakech
In a significant step towards promoting sustainable transport solutions, Hyundai Motor Company, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is set to deliver 15 eco-friendly "Elec City" electric buses to Marrakech, Morocco. This initiative was officially announced on September 22, 2026, following a handover ceremony that took place at Hyundai's manufacturing plant in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on September 21. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Lee Seung-min, Executive Director of Hyundai Motor's Commercial Product Division, and Shafiq Rachadi, the Moroccan Ambassador to South Korea, highlighting the importance of this project for both nations.
This collaboration is part of a broader official development assistance (ODA) program spearheaded by KOICA, aimed at fostering economic and social development in developing countries. The Moroccan government has committed to a low-carbon transition strategy, targeting a 45.5% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to business-as-usual projections, with aspirations of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The introduction of these electric buses aligns perfectly with Morocco's transition towards eco-friendly public transport, which is crucial for minimizing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Impact and Future Plans for Electric Buses in Morocco
As part of this initiative, the 15 Elec City buses will not only be equipped with fast-charging technology but will also be accompanied by training and technical support to bolster local expertise in electric bus operations and maintenance. This marks a historic moment, as these buses represent the first domestically produced electric vehicles to be supplied to Morocco. They are expected to operate on city bus routes in key tourist areas, effectively addressing public transport needs while contributing to the reduction of urban air pollution and fostering a sustainable mobility ecosystem.
The handover ceremony celebrated the completion of the first two buses out of the 15 planned for delivery to Marrakech. Hyundai Motor is committed to completing the production and delivery of the remaining units by early 2027, alongside a local handover event. Park Cheol-yeon, the head of Hyundai Motor’s Global Commercial & LCV Business Division, expressed optimism about this project, emphasizing its significance in demonstrating the potential for electrifying public transportation and enhancing mobility solutions that are environmentally friendly and tailored to local operational conditions.
As reported by biz.chosun.com.
