The Association of Vehicle Importers in Morocco (AIVAM) organized a conference this Thursday, January 6 to present the main activity indicators of the automotive market in 2021 and to draw up its forecasts for 2022.
The new Moroccan automobile market recorded in 2021 an increase of 31.5% compared to the previous year and 5.7% compared to 2019. This significant development compared to 2020 is explained by a catching-up effect during the confinement period (T2-2020), where individuals were able to save. They wanted to have fun in 2021 through the purchase of a new vehicle.
However, the association says the market could have done better if it had not a lack of availability of semiconductors.
Growth in the passenger car (PC) market by 4% compared to 2019. The Renault and Dacia brands remained at the top of the ranking, followed by Peugeot. Meanwhile, the Kia and Opel brands performed better in 2021 compared to 2019.
It is important to note that the ranking of brands is impacted by the availability of stocks. Indeed, the passenger car market recorded during the first half of 2021 an increase of 15% compared to the same period in 2019, and a decrease of 6% during the second half of 2021. This decrease is mainly linked to the crisis of semiconductors. The association estimates that the PV market has lost 10 growth points due to the unavailability of 7,000 semiconductor units in 2021.
For their part, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) recorded an increase of 20% compared to 2019. DFSK remains at the top of the podium with 19.2% of the market, followed by Renault and Ford. Peugeot and Hyundai recorded good performances, while brands linked to the tourism sector were the most negatively impacted.
Strong growth in sales of alternative motor vehicles in 2021
In 2021, sales of gasoline-powered vehicles increased to represent 10.8% of sales (compared to 7.8% in 2019 and nearly 7% in 2020). This development is driven by the hybrid and the mini-pickup. Diesel engines continue to represent the bulk of sales.
On the other hand, the sales dynamics of alternative motor vehicles (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric) recorded a strong increase compared to 2019. (+145%). According to the association, this exponential increase is explained by an expansion of the supply of alternative motor vehicles in Morocco: 1 brand until 2017, 7 from 2018 and 11 brands in 2021.
VP sales: Agadir overtakes Marrakech
Casablanca remains the main pole of private vehicle sales in 2021 (40% of the market), but its weight is down 6.8% compared to 2019. This decrease is explained, on the one hand, by the following rental market the trend in the tourism sector, which recorded 10,000 vehicles less compared to 2019; and, on the other hand, by the decrease in the investment capacity of taxi drivers, reduced by the restrictions linked to the Covid.
On the other hand, the weight of the city of Agadir increases by 14% compared to 2019, and exceeds Marrakech which is strongly impacted by the tourism sector, down 9.3% during the same period. For their part, Tangier and Kenitra are growing strongly under the impetus of industrial clusters.
Growth of 5% to 15% in 2022
According to the association’s forecasts, 2022 will remain marked by the shortage of semiconductors. The same source forecasts a growth of the automotive market of 5% to 15%, depending on the availability of stocks and the evolution of the Covid pandemic which has a strong impact on automotive production capacities.
The association does not plan to invest in tourist or rental transport before 2023, still affected by the crisis in 2022.
Finally, concerning vehicles with alternative motorization, the same source notes that there is a growing acceptance on the part of consumers, “but growth in Morocco can only be achieved with the will of governments”, specifies- we. More financial and technical devices (electrical terminals) will therefore be needed to encourage citizens to invest in this type of vehicle.