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Morocco auto market growth slows as electrification accelerates

Wednesday 03 June 2026 - 15:14

By: Dakir Madiha

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The Moroccan automotive market continued its upward trajectory in May 2026, but at a slower pace than earlier in the year. New vehicle registrations reached 23,037 units, marking a 2.81 percent increase compared with the same month in 2025. The figures reflect a market that is still expanding, yet losing some of the momentum seen in previous months.

Between January and May 2026, the sector maintained stronger performance. Total sales reached 104,555 units, up 17.8 percent from 88,728 units recorded over the same period in 2025. The milestone of 100,000 units in five months confirms sustained demand, but it also highlights a market now facing tougher comparisons, tighter purchasing power conditions, and rising competitive pressure across all segments.

Passenger cars continued to dominate overall sales in May, with 20,270 units registered. Growth in this category remained marginal for the month at 0.1 percent, while cumulative sales reached 92,153 units over five months, also up 17.8 percent. Light commercial vehicles stood out as the fastest-growing segment, rising 27.9 percent in May to 2,767 units. Their cumulative total reached 12,402 units, reflecting strong demand from businesses, logistics operators, and small enterprises adjusting to expanding delivery and service needs.

Electrified vehicles emerged as the most significant structural shift in the market. Over the first five months of 2026, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, electric, and range-extender models accounted for 17.18 percent of passenger car registrations, up from 10.34 percent in 2025. Hybrid vehicles led with 6,267 units, while plug-in hybrids recorded the sharpest rise at 4,844 units. Mild hybrids also expanded steadily, supported by lower entry costs and broader availability. Fully electric vehicles remained limited at 869 units, while range-extender models reached 932 units, indicating early-stage diversification in powertrain technologies.

Diesel retained its dominant position with 59,419 units and 64.48 percent market share, but its long-term decline continued as electrified alternatives gained ground. The shift reflects gradual adaptation rather than abrupt transition, shaped by infrastructure constraints and evolving consumer preferences.

Chinese brands continued to reshape competitive dynamics in the Moroccan market. Twenty Chinese manufacturers together accounted for 10,477 passenger car registrations between January and May 2026, representing 11.4 percent of total sales, compared with 4.5 percent a year earlier. Their presence reached 12 percent of monthly passenger car sales in May alone, driven by competitively priced, well-equipped electrified models and aggressive market positioning across multiple segments.