Renault to start production line of Kardian new model in Morocco’s Casablanca by H1 2024
Automaker Renault will launch by first half (H1) of 2024 a plant in Morocco’s city business hub of Casablanca to manufacture its newly unveiled Kardian SUV, in a move to conquer emerging markets.
The car manufacturer made announcement at the inauguration in Brazil of its Renault Design Center LatAm and its new Kardian SUV, in city of Rio De Janeiro last week.
The new model, designed by Brazilian designers, will go on sale in 2024 and marks the arrival of Renault’s new visual identity in Brazil, the automaker said in a statement.
The new model has been developed with the South American market in focus. The Kardian is 4.12 meters long and sits on the new CMF modular platform.
The car boasts stylish exterior looks with split headlamps, chunky front and rear bumpers, and a large Renault signature double-layer grille. It also exhibits an adequate dose of faux aluminum inserts on the Kardian to give it a rugged SUV look.
At the back, the tail-lamps get a C-shaped design that looks a lot like the Kiger, auto experts say.
Higher variants feature stylish alloy wheels, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna and added chrome bits.
The engine on the other hand is an all-new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and churns out 125hp and 220Nm of torque mated to a six-speed DCT automatic gearbox. It also comes with a 100hp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 160Nm of torque, mated to a CVT automatic gearbox.
The launch in the kingdom is in line with Renault’s new road map dubbed “International Game Plan 2027” and which will require €3 billion. It foresees the international launch of eight new vehicles (outside Europe) to position the brand in key segments of the new car market.
“By 2027, the Renault brand aims to double the number of vehicles sold outside Europe compared to 2019,” said Fabrice Kamboliv, CEO of the Renault brand, announcing the new strategy.
The choice of Morocco is based on the country’s current position as hub for factories such as the one in Kenitra and the modernization of industrial complexes such as the one in Tanger-Med.
The North African country has also positioned itself as a regional benchmark in the automotive sector.
The kingdom is house to Renault’s second largest production line plant, accounting for 17 per cent of its sales globally. The French auto maker is planning to increase production to 500,000 vehicle per annum by 2025.
