After 15 years in France’s automotive industry, a worker born in Morocco was dismissed on grounds of medical unfitness. His employer said it had been unable to find a position suited to his disability. But the company’s efforts failed to convince the court. The worker was awarded €24,000 in compensation.
The Sandero has just surpassed 1 million sales in France. Part of that success is built in Morocco, at Renault’s Tangier plant, where BFM Business followed the city car’s production through to its departure for foreign markets.
Production costs no longer suffice to explain Spanish companies’ interest in Morocco. Its factories, logistics links and export markets now also factor into their investment decisions, according to an analysis published in Spain on Sunday.
Moroccan exports are growing, but not keeping pace with imports. In the first eight months of 2026, the trade deficit widened by 25.4% to 282.6 billion dirhams. Energy and equipment accounted for a particularly large share of the increase.
Diesel now costs more than 16 dirhams a litre at several stations in Morocco. The October 1 increase adds further to the bill: for 50 litres, the difference from prices in early July is approaching 175 dirhams.
Volkswagen will take a 49% stake in an industrial project in Kénitra alongside Gotion. The Moroccan site will not produce battery cells; it will supply LFP cathode materials for the German group’s European production chain.
Two US officials responsible for critical minerals and industrial project financing will speak in Marrakech on Wednesday. Washington will present its reshoring strategy, followed by a discussion on financing African projects.
Renault is reportedly postponing the launch of the Sandero hybrid produced in Morocco in order to protect the debut of its new Clio. The decision highlights Renault’s reassertion of control over Dacia, which has become particularly profitable but also increasingly competitive with its parent company.
Ten days after the fire that severely damaged its plant in Tangier, Purflux is preparing a new site almost twice as large. Its capacity could reach 180% of that of the former facility.
Morocco is developing a bonus-malus system designed to promote cleaner vehicles and make the purchase of the most polluting models more expensive. However, no scale or implementation timetable has yet been established.
The European Union imported €25.5 billion worth of Moroccan goods in 2025. Agriculture has now been largely overtaken by machinery and transport equipment, which alone account for more than half of European purchases from Morocco.
Automotive, renewable energy and agri-food: French companies are now seeking to position themselves for the next wave of Moroccan projects. After the return of investment, the battle is shifting toward the markets opened up by the kingdom’s industrialization and new infrastructure.