Marrakech's Commitment to Sustainable Transportation
Marrakech is set to enhance its public transport system with the introduction of 15 electric buses from Hyundai's Elec City range. This initiative includes the installation of rapid charging stations and technical support, all part of a South Korean public development aid project aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the city’s public transport sector. The partnership between Hyundai Motor Company, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the city of Marrakech marks a significant step forward in promoting sustainable transportation within Morocco.
According to reports from South Korean media, this collaboration is a historic first, as these buses will be the initial electric vehicles manufactured in South Korea and delivered to Morocco. A ceremony to celebrate the completion of the first two buses took place on September 21 at Hyundai's facility in Jeonju, South Korea. Notable attendees included Lee Seung-min, Executive Vice President of Hyundai's Commercial Vehicle Division, Chafik Rachadi, Morocco's ambassador to South Korea, and Do Young-a, Director of Regional Programs at KOICA.
Impact on Urban Mobility
The newly introduced buses are expected to operate on urban routes connecting several key tourist areas in Marrakech. Hyundai aims to complete production and shipment of the remaining vehicles by the first quarter of 2027, followed by an official handover ceremony in Morocco. Park Cheol-yeon, head of Hyundai's Global Commercial and Light Commercial Vehicle Division, emphasized the project's role in showcasing the benefits of electrifying public transport, pledging commitment to providing environmentally friendly mobility solutions tailored to local conditions.
Chafik Rachadi highlighted the symbolic importance of these buses arriving in Marrakech, a city crucial to Morocco's economic and cultural landscape, which notably hosted the 22nd United Nations Climate Change Conference. This project not only represents a significant investment in sustainable transport but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
