Morocco increases its role as an automotive hub with the production of the Citroën C4 in Kenitra

Stellantis' decision to assemble the next generation of the Citroën C4 at its Kenitra plant marks a significant step in Morocco's transformation into a fully-fledged automotive and engineering hub, moving beyond its role as a low-cost manufacturing and assembly base.

The move reflects the growing maturity of Morocco's industrial ecosystem, as the production of an iconic model such as the Citroën C4 expands the country's production beyond entry-level vehicles in the compact car segment and electric models. Industry officials say this shift highlights the ability of Morocco's workforce to meet the European group's strict quality standards.

Local content in some models has exceeded 69 percent, with authorities aiming to raise that figure to 80 percent, strengthening Morocco's integration into global automotive value chains. The country has overtaken traditional industrial players to become Africa's largest producer of passenger cars and is approaching annual production of one million vehicles.

The automotive sector is Morocco's leading export industry, with vehicles manufactured in the country shipped to more than 75 destinations worldwide, mainly in Europe.

Morocco's logistical advantage has been reinforced by modern infrastructure, particularly the port of Tangier Med, which allows manufacturers to connect factories to global markets with short delivery times.

As the global automotive industry shifts toward greener technologies, Morocco has positioned itself at the forefront of the transition. The Kenitra plant already produces the all-electric Citroën Ami, while the country has attracted major investments in electric vehicle batteries, including recent agreements with large Chinese companies to establish lithium battery factories.

These investments are expected to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Morocco's automotive industry as global markets move away from internal combustion engines.

Morocco's rise as an automotive hub has been supported by the presence of more than 250 international suppliers, including Lear, Yazaki, and Magneti Marelli, which operate large facilities producing wiring systems, seats, and engine components.

Industry analysts say the launch of the new Citroën C4 at the Kenitra plant signals a new phase for Morocco's automotive sector, with the “Made in Morocco” label increasingly associated not only with quality but also with innovation and global competitiveness.

Morocco is no longer just assembling cars, analysts add, but reshaping its economic future through deeper integration into complex global value chains.