Renault Group Morocco launches engineering center to enhance technological development

Renault Group Morocco has unveiled the establishment of Renault Technology Morocco (RTMA), a new engineering center, under the leadership of Francisco José Martín Hernández, who has been appointed as its Director General as of March 1.

The RTMA will operate from two strategic locations: the main headquarters in Tetouan, focusing on technological innovation, and a facility at the Renault Group plant in Tangier, which will concentrate on industrial operations. This setup is designed to foster closer collaboration between engineering and manufacturing divisions, ensuring streamlined operations and enhanced productivity.

Hernández will report directly to Cedric Combemorel, Deputy CTO – VP Global Engineering & Tech, while also coordinating with Mohamed Bachiri, Director General of Renault Group Morocco. The company highlighted Hernández's extensive technical expertise and familiarity with group challenges, which have propelled him to significant roles across Spain, Romania, and France.

The new director brings a wealth of experience to his role. An industrial engineer by training, graduated from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and École Centrale de Lyon, Hernández has been with Renault since 2002, holding several pivotal positions in quality engineering and project management, particularly in mechanical and vehicle engineering divisions.

Before this latest appointment, he served as the Head of the Vehicle Engineering Department at Renault Technology Spain since 2021, also representing Ampère within the organization.

The creation of RTMA coincides with a period of remarkable growth for Renault Group Morocco, which recorded a historic production of 413,614 vehicles in 2024, reflecting an 8% increase from the previous year. The Tangier plant alone produced 312,381 units, representing a 9% rise, while the SOMACA plant in Casablanca achieved a milestone by manufacturing over 100,000 vehicles for the first time, totaling 101,233 units—a 7% increase.

In terms of exports, Renault Group Morocco has demonstrated strong performance, with approximately 370,165 vehicles shipped to 68 destinations in 2024. Notably, the Tangier facility exported 298,045 units, accounting for 95% of its production, while Casablanca exported 72,120 vehicles, representing 71% of its total output.

Domestically, Renault Group Morocco continues to excel, with Renault capturing a 16.1% market share from 28,348 vehicles sold. Dacia led the market with a 25% share, selling 39,330 units in 2024. The group reported a turnover of MAD 63 billion ($6.3 billion), reaffirming its status as the largest private enterprise in Morocco, with its automotive ecosystem contributing 38% of the sector's overall revenue and employing over 10,000 individuals.