SOMACA Begins Production of Renault Kardian for Domestic and Export Markets

Saturday 09 November 2024 - 12:25

SOMACA's historic factory in Casablanca marked the commencement of Renault Kardian production on Friday, in the presence of Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour. This new compact SUV, aimed at both the local market and export to around fifteen countries, will be available in Morocco from December 2024 through the Renault network.

The launch of this model represents a significant milestone in Renault’s international strategy, the “Renault International Game Plan 2027,” announced in 2023, with Morocco playing a central role. The Kardian's production strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a strategic industrial platform for Renault and a leading export base.

The Kardian is the first of eight new models Renault revealed as part of their 2023 strategy in Rio de Janeiro. After Brazil, SOMACA becomes the second production site for this SUV, underscoring the importance of the Casablanca plant in Renault's global expansion.

The vehicle introduces a new modular and versatile platform that will allow for the development of a variety of models tailored to several markets outside Europe. Additionally, SOMACA is enhancing its technological capabilities with the introduction of the "Bi-Ton" painting process, a first for Renault factories in Morocco. This advanced technique, which applies two distinct colors to the vehicle, highlights the innovation and precision efforts of the local teams.

Industrialization Driven by Local Expertise

The Kardian's industrialization process harnessed the skills of SOMACA's local workforce, with 6,000 hours of training dedicated to new painting, bodywork, and assembly techniques. Minister Ryad Mezzour expressed pride in the launch of the new compact SUV for both the local and export markets, emphasizing that the project strengthens the strategic partnership between Morocco and Renault. It further positions the Kingdom as a key player in the global automotive industry. "The production launch of the Renault Kardian marks a new phase in the strategic partnership between Morocco and Renault, consolidating our shared ambition to make the Kingdom a leading player in the global automotive industry," the minister stated.

Mohamed Bachiri, Managing Director of Renault Group Morocco, highlighted the increasing importance of SOMACA in the group's industrial operations: "With more than 100,000 vehicles produced this year, SOMACA confirms its central role. Our goal is to reach a production capacity of 500,000 vehicles annually in Morocco by 2025."

A Factory at the Heart of Morocco’s Industrial Evolution

Founded in 1959, SOMACA has been a cornerstone of Morocco's automotive industry. Initially focused on assembling vehicles for the local market, the plant has continuously reinvented itself, establishing a key position within the sector. Today, SOMACA exports two-thirds of its production to 70 destinations worldwide, with production expected to reach a record nearly 100,000 units by the end of 2024. With the addition of the Renault Kardian, SOMACA takes another step in its transformation, incorporating new technologies and further developing its workforce.