Headline: Auto Ownership in Morocco: Booming Industry, but Still Low Penetration
Marrakech, Morocco – While the automotive industry in Morocco flourishes, a recent survey by Sunergia in collaboration with L’Économiste revealed that a significant 70% of households in the country still don’t own a car. The study sheds light on the disparity between the booming auto sector and the reality of car ownership among ordinary Moroccans.
A Tale of Two Worlds: Urban vs. Rural
The survey found stark differences between urban and rural areas. In cities, about 30% of those aged 25-44 own a car, compared to a mere 14% in rural regions. Older adults (80% of those aged 65+) and low-income households (90%) also reported low car ownership rates.
Notably, import duties have made it less expensive to buy a car in Morocco, potentially driving this interest in vehicle ownership. The Kingdom is even exporting cars to over 70 countries, further testament to its burgeoning automotive industry.
Maintenance Hurdles and Aspirational Drivers
Car maintenance is a significant challenge for many Moroccan drivers, with 66% citing high costs. A staggering 34% found the expenses "very high", and 32% considered them "extremely high". Among women, 45% described the costs as "very high".
Despite these hurdles, Morocco’s aspirational drivers are eager to join the ranks of car owners. Around 23% plan to buy a car within the next year, with 87% of them —particularly young adults aged 25-34—preferring new vehicles. They’re mainly funding their purchases through savings (45%), bank loans (11%), or family loans (10%).
The survey underscores the disconnect between Morocco’s auto industry success and the automotive realities for its citizens, offering valuable insights into the market’s future potential and the demands of its consumers.
