Morocco ranks as the second largest vehicle producer, after South Africa, according to the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Africa’s Business Insider reported.
Morocco produced 559,645 vehicles, a 5% increase that pushed it to 23rd globally. The rise reinforced its role as a growing hub for global automakers.
South Africa manufactured 599,755 vehicles in 2024, a 5% decline from the previous year. The country ranked 20th worldwide but missed the 784,509-unit target set under the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035.
Emerging markets are strengthening their automotive positions, driven by higher incomes, regional trade deals, and supply chain shifts from high-cost countries.
In South Africa, seven global automakers, including Volkswagen, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz, operate local plants. But the industry is under pressure from rising imports, especially from China, and weak domestic sales.
Exports are also facing strain. Shipments to the United States dropped sharply in April and May 2025 after President Donald Trump imposed steep import tariffs. The move cut into the duty-free access South Africa previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
The US has been South Africa’s second-largest trading partner and a key destination for its vehicles.
Trade Minister Parks Tau said low demand for locally assembled cars and weak local content levels have forced 12 plant closures and more than 4,000 job losses in the past two years.
Meanwhile, China built over 31 million vehicles in 2024, more than the US and Japan combined. Passenger cars accounted for 27.5 million units. The boom was fueled by strong domestic demand, rapid electric vehicle adoption, and surging exports.
The US leaned toward commercial vehicles, producing 9.1 million units compared with 1.4 million passenger cars. Other emerging markets, including India, Mexico, and Brazil, also rose in the rankings.
Together, China, the US, and Japan accounted for 54% of global vehicle output.
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