King Mohammed VI of Morocco has officially presented the country’s first car brand, introducing a prototype of a hydrogen-powered vehicle during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Rabat.
The recently unveiled car, named the Hydrogen Utility Vehicle (HUV), is the product of collaboration between Neo Motors, the first Moroccan-owned car company, and NamX, an automobile company based in Turin, as reported by Morocco’s MAP news agency.
Significantly, the president of NamX played a pivotal role in developing the world’s first car with a patented removable hydrogen tank system.
The project also received design expertise from the renowned Italian coachbuilder, Pininfarina, lending their creative touch to the hydrogen prototype.
Nassim Belkhayat, CEO of Neo Motors, and Faouzi Annajah, president of NamX, showcased the project during the unveiling, with the objective of bolstering Morocco’s automotive production competitiveness.
Morocco currently stands as the largest car manufacturer in Africa, and the government has recently made a commitment to double its electric car production capacity within a two-year timeframe, highlighting the nation’s commitment to automotive innovation.
The Hydrogen Utility Vehicle (HUV) is scheduled for release in 2025, catering to the increasing global demand for eco-friendly automobiles.
Unlike electric vehicles, which require several hours to charge, hydrogen vehicles can be refueled in a matter of minutes.
Moreover, hydrogen-powered vehicles offer longer driving ranges compared to their electric counterparts and are recognized for their enhanced environmental friendliness.
Morocco’s foray into hydrogen-powered vehicles represents a significant step forward in the country’s pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions.
By embracing this cutting-edge technology, Morocco aims to contribute to a greener future while capitalizing on its established automotive manufacturing sector.
The introduction of the HUV marks an exciting milestone in the nation’s automotive industry, setting the stage for continued advancements in the field of alternative energy-powered vehicles.
