German engineering giant FEV expands African footprint in Morocco

German automotive engineering powerhouse FEV Group,a global leader in the development of products and systems for the automotive industry,has crossed a significant milestone in Morocco,with its North African subsidiary surpassing 150 employees just six years after establishing operations in the kingdom. The expansion underscores Morocco’s growing importance as a strategic hub for automotive development and testing services on the African continent.

FEV North Africa’s workforce,predominantly comprising specialized engineers and technicians,operates from two key locations: the historic headquarters at Casanearshore in Casablanca and the Morocco Mobility & Automotive Center in Oued Zem. The latter facility,a joint venture with French partner UTAC CERAM established in 2023,represents Africa’s first comprehensive automotive testing center.

The Oued Zem complex spans 500 hectares and features over 30 kilometers of specialized test tracks,including facilities for speed,endurance,reliability,gradient,and braking tests for traditional,electric,and hybrid cars.

Positioned at 850 meters altitude in Morocco’s Atlas foothills,the site benefits from exceptional climatic conditions enabling year-round testing operations—a unique advantage for European manufacturers seeking consistent testing environments.

As the sole African subsidiary of the group founded in 1978 by Professor Franz Pischinger,FEV North Africa has rapidly evolved into a premier center for product development and superior engineering services. The company provides comprehensive solutions for leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers,covering engine and transmission design,vehicle performance optimization,electronic systems simulation and validation,and alternative propulsion system development.

The facility’s centerpiece includes a four-kilometer coast-down track meeting EU and Japanese ISO 17025:07.22 specifications—unique globally under such favorable conditions. Additional features encompass high-speed test sections,acoustic tracks,urban environment simulations,and proximity to the Atlas Mountains for long-distance testing scenarios.

FEV Group’s commitment to Morocco reflects broader industry trends,with the parent company generating $3.5 billion in global revenue in 2023 while employing 7,500 professionals across more than 20 countries. The North African operation’s success reinforces Morocco’s position as an emerging force in automotive engineering,bridging European technological excellence with African growth potential.