Study Reveals 70% of Moroccan Households Without Personal Vehicles

Friday 03 January 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Study Reveals 70% of Moroccan Households Without Personal Vehicles

A comprehensive market study by Sunergia and L'Economiste has unveiled significant disparities in car ownership across Morocco, highlighting notable urban-rural divides and generational patterns in vehicle acquisition and maintenance.

The research indicates that only 30% of Moroccan households own automobiles, with 25% possessing a single vehicle, 4% maintaining two vehicles, and just 1% owning three or more. The situation is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where an overwhelming 86% of residents do not own cars.

Age and income emerge as crucial factors in vehicle ownership patterns. Young professionals between 25 and 44 years old represent the highest car ownership rate at approximately 30%. In contrast, seniors over 65 and lower-income households show significantly lower ownership rates at 80% and 90%, respectively.

Vehicle maintenance presents another challenge for Moroccan car owners. Among those with vehicles aged five to ten years, 33% opt for annual maintenance schedules, while 23% choose quarterly inspections. Notably, 6% of owners, particularly those with newer vehicles, admit to neglecting maintenance entirely. Cost remains a significant barrier, with 66% of respondents citing financial constraints as a major concern. Women, in particular, feel this burden, with 45% describing maintenance costs as "very expensive."

Looking ahead, 23% of Moroccans plan to purchase vehicles within the next year, with 12% intending personal use and 4% buying for family members. The study reveals a strong preference for new vehicles, particularly among younger buyers aged 25-34, where 87% favor new cars over used ones. Only 10% of prospective buyers consider second-hand vehicles.

Regarding financing, personal savings emerge as the preferred method for 45% of potential buyers, while others explore alternative options, with 11% considering bank loans and 10% planning to secure family loans.

These findings paint a picture of a market shaped by economic realities and changing consumer preferences, with clear divisions between urban and rural areas, age groups, and income levels influencing vehicle ownership and maintenance patterns across Morocco.