• Shanghai Jinxiu Shanhe Automotive signs deal for EV assembly plant in Morocco
• Facility to assemble 20,000 commercial EVs adapted to North African markets
• Project expected to cut import costs, create local jobs, and boost technology

Shanghai Jinxiu Shanhe Automotive Technology, a Chinese automaker specializing in new energy commercial vehicles, plans to set up an electric vehicle assembly plant in Morocco.

The agreement was signed on September 16 in Shanghai’s Jiading district between the Chinese company and an undisclosed Moroccan partner, according to Chinese media.

The plant will operate under the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) model, allowing vehicles to be adapted to the needs of the North African market. Shanghai Jinxiu and its Moroccan partner plan to jointly develop localized improvements to enhance vehicle performance for Morocco’s road conditions and climate.

“This transition will significantly cut customs duties and cross-border transport costs, boosting the price competitiveness of our products in North Africa. It will also create local jobs and advance manufacturing technology,” said Chen Kuo, president of Jinxiu Shanhe Automotive Technology, as quoted by the Jiading district government portal.

The Chinese automaker also signed a contract with its Moroccan client for the export of electric commercial vehicles to Morocco. The shipment represents the first phase of a larger order of 20,000 units to be assembled in Morocco.

“This order shows the strong global competitiveness of our products and their fit with international market demand,” Kuo said, noting that the vehicles meet Morocco’s needs for urban mobility and short-distance logistics, laying the groundwork for further expansion in North Africa.

Morocco, already home to a large automotive ecosystem with global players such as Stellantis and Renault and hundreds of suppliers, has in recent years attracted several Chinese manufacturers of auto components and battery materials, including Gotion High Tech, Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology, CNGR Advanced Material Company, and BTR New Material Group.