It’s not electric, but it is recyclable and now part of the circular economy: As soon as July this year the assembly plant in Ain Aouda. Morocco will begin building these Neo Maroc jeeps at an affordable $15,000 and $20,000. Morocco’s king wants his nation to be among the top 10 car-producing countries in the world.
The Neo’s fiberglass body is a stylistic nod to American military jeeps of the 40s, does drink conventional fuel, but its carbon footprint is softened by the fact that it’s completely recyclable, according to the creators. Morocco does not have net-zero target for energy, but its national green initiatives focus on a renewable energy goal, with 52 per cent of its electricity mix coming from renewables by 2030.
Israel developed a fibreglass car from the 1950s, called the Sussita. The problem was the local camels enjoyed recycling the cars faster than the drivers could use them.
Another Moroccan car will be launched in 2025, the NamX Hydrogen Utility Vehicle (HUV). The NAM will carry six removable capsules, providing an impressive driving range and lightning-fast refuelling times. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles like the HUV significantly outpace traditional combustion engines in terms of efficiency, and only exhale warm air and water vapour, rendering them a lean, clean driving machine.
The NEO debuted at Gitex Africa, the region’s main technology showcase where investors and entrepreneurs meet face to face. The car then drive around the city of Rabat. While there are only a handful of prototypes manufactured, a $15 million car plant will build 7,000 NEOs this year.
“This car has been seven years in the making, with thinking, designing and creating a prototype,” said Nassim Belkhayat, chief executive of NEO Motors, who had no prior experience in the automotive industry before funding Morocco’s third car brand. “It is the first Moroccan car that will be mass produced, so it is a dream for us, and all Moroccan people.”
A hybrid model is slated for production.
