Kenitra Plant to Make 535K EVs After Stellantis €1.2B Upgrade

The automaker will more than double its production in Morocco to 535,000 vehicles annually, boosting electric vehicle output and elevating local sourcing to 75% by 2030.

RABAT, Morocco – July 17, 2025

In a major vote of confidence in Morocco’s industrial prowess, Stellantis—the world’s third-largest automaker—announced on Thursday a €1.2 billion expansion of its Kenitra production facility. The ambitious plan will more than double the plant’s current output, aiming to manufacture 535,000 vehicles annually by 2026, with a particular emphasis on small, affordable electric vehicles (EVs).

Among the key models to be scaled up are the Citroën Ami and the Opel Rocks‑e, two ultra-compact electric vehicles that have found increasing popularity across Europe and North Africa as urban mobility solutions.

“This is not just an expansion; it’s a transformation,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares during a virtual press briefing. “Our investment in Morocco reflects confidence in the country’s skilled workforce, strategic location, and the government’s strong support for sustainable industry.”

The move positions Morocco as a rising hub in the global electric vehicle value chain, reinforcing its status as Africa’s leading car manufacturer and exporter. Currently, Morocco exports vehicles to more than 70 countries and hosts major facilities for automakers including Renault and Peugeot.

Stellantis’ expanded operations will also bring a major boost to local suppliers. According to the company, local content sourcing will increase from 60% to 75% by 2030, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

“We expect a ripple effect through the entire ecosystem,” said Leila Mezian, a policy analyst with the Moroccan Association for Industrial Development. “From parts manufacturing to logistics, this will lift entire communities.”

Environmental advocates praised the project’s emphasis on electrification.

“Scaling up EV production in Morocco not only meets global demand but contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future for North Africa,” said Dr. Hamza Lahbabi, a sustainable transport expert based in Rabat.

The Moroccan government welcomed the news, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s green industrialization roadmap.

“This expansion is aligned with our national strategy to position Morocco as a climate-resilient industrial leader,” said Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade.

The Kenitra plant, which first opened in 2019, has rapidly become one of Stellantis’s most efficient facilities globally. With this latest expansion, the company is also signaling a shift toward mass-producing urban EVs, tapping into the growing demand for cost-effective electric transportation in both emerging and developed markets.

Local reaction has been enthusiastic, particularly in Kenitra and surrounding areas, where many families depend on the automotive sector for employment.

“This factory gave my son his first job,” said Fatima Berrada, a Kenitra resident. “Now my daughter, who just graduated from engineering school, hopes to join too.”

With production expected to ramp up in phases through 2026, Stellantis aims to meet surging demand from both Europe and Africa, while Morocco continues to cement its place at the forefront of clean and innovative manufacturing.