Chinese cars in Morocco: 130% growth and 11.8% market share

The new car market in Morocco recorded a remarkable increase during the first nine months of 2026, with a total of 188,495 cars registered, an increase of 13% compared to 166,854 units during the same period of 2025. This growth is highlighted by the rapid rise of Chinese brands, which have doubled their sales in Morocco and grabbed a growing share of Moroccan consumers looking for cheaper alternatives. Light vehicle sales drive growth out of total registrations, light vehicles (VP) accounted for 165,764 units with a 12% growth. Sales of light utility vehicles (VUL) jumped 20.5% to 22,731 units. In the month of September alone, 21,030 cars were sold, an increase of 3.8% compared to September 2025, including 18,161 light vehicles and 2,869 light utility vehicles. Chinese brands jumped to 11.8% of the market. The 21 Chinese brands present in Morocco were the most prominent surprises in the market this year, as their sales increased by 130.5% in one year, increasing their share of the light cars market from 5.8% to 11.8%. And in the month of September alone, Sales of these brands reached 2,539 units, a growth of 76.7%. BYD topped the ranking of Chinese brands with 3264 units, followed by MG with 2,172 units, and Chery with 1,889 units. The decline of diesel and the rise of electric and hybrid cars The distribution of sales by engine type reveals a gradual shift in the choices of Moroccans, with the share of diesel falling for the first time to this extent in years, against a clear rise of electric and hybrid cars. Distribution of car sales in Morocco by engine type (9 months 2026) Engine type Number of units Share of Diesel market 105296 63.52% (vs. 71.04% in 2025) Gasoline 30,946 18.67% Hybrid (HEV) 11821 — Rechargeable Hybrid (PHEV) 9438 Growth 120.3% Light Hybrid (Mild-Hybrid) 4849 - The total number of electrified cars in their various categories reached 29,522 units during the nine months, increasing their share to 17.8% of the light vehicle market, compared to only 11.4% during the same period of 2025, while this share in September alone reached 20.7%. What does this mean for the Moroccan consumer? This shift translates into an actual change in behavior Buying in Morocco, as Chinese brands are competing with traditional brands at lower prices and competitive equipment, while high fuel prices are pushing an increasing number of Moroccans towards less fuel-consuming options such as hybrid and electric cars. If this trend continues, Chinese brands may redraw the map of competition in the car market in Morocco in the coming years.