Morocco's Growing Role in the Automotive Sector
According to the Spanish automotive suppliers association, Sernauto, Morocco is set to significantly increase its vehicle production, with forecasts indicating a rise to approximately 700,000 units by the year 2026. This anticipated growth comes amid intensifying industrial competition with the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain and Portugal. The projections were shared during a recent meeting of the industry committee of Sernauto, which focused on analyzing the automotive sector's prospects in Southern Europe and the Maghreb region.
The meeting convened nearly forty representatives from thirty-four automotive companies, who engaged in discussions regarding the latest trends in the European market and production forecasts for key countries known for their substantial industrial output. The data revealed that Morocco is experiencing robust industrial growth in its automotive sector, which has emerged as a cornerstone of the nation’s manufacturing landscape and a major contributor to its export revenues. Participants at the meeting noted that Morocco is increasingly positioning itself as a formidable competitor to industrial hubs located on the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the quest to attract new investment opportunities.
Comparative Production Insights and Future Trends
Sernauto's projections indicate that Spain could reach a production level of approximately 2.3 million vehicles by 2026, although this figure remains below the output levels seen prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Portugal is expected to maintain its vehicle production at around 310,000 units, without any significant growth in its industrial capabilities. These forecasts are grounded in a detailed analysis of production programs categorized by model and plant across the industrial sites in all three nations. Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring production trends throughout the region, as the European automotive sector undergoes a transformative phase driven by shifts towards electrification and the reorganization of supply chains.
Additionally, the committee meeting featured a presentation by Juan Mocoroa, the head of manufacturing engineering at Mercedes-Benz Spain, who provided insights into the carmaker’s facility in Vitoria. He highlighted the plant as one of Mercedes-Benz's most important operations in Spain, backed by over one billion euros in investment. This facility supports an extensive industrial ecosystem that generates more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, complemented by a network of approximately 1,400 suppliers.
As reported by apanews.net.
