The Dacia Sandero, manufactured in Renault’s factories in Tangier and Casablanca, continues to top sales charts in Spain throughout 2025, marking an exceptional achievement that boosts the Moroccan industry’s reputation in the European arena. Thanks to its competitive price, environmental efficiency, and practical design, this car has become a symbol of economic and industrial success, selling 28,760 units by September 2025, surpassing major competitors like the Seat Ibiza and Toyota Corolla.
Industrial Context and Reasons for Success
Production of the Dacia Sandero in Morocco began in 2012, with the Tangier plant alone producing around 400,000 cars annually, most of which are exported to Europe. In 2025, this model contributed significantly to Morocco’s exports, making the country the main supplier of fully assembled cars to Spain, valued at $701.7 million. Key reasons for Sandero’s superiority include:
- Competitive Price: Starting at €13,000, which is 30-50% lower than competitors like the Toyota Corolla (€24,000) and Seat Ibiza (€15,000).
- “ECO” Environmental Rating: Qualifies for tax exemptions in Spain, with dual-fuel engines (gasoline/LPG) delivering low consumption (3.6 L/100 km) and a range exceeding 1,000 km.
- Urban Market Fit: Compact design, 328-liter trunk capacity, and tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, attracting urban families.
Commercial Performance in Spain
Up to September 2025, Sandero showed 19.7% annual growth, with impressive monthly sales such as 5,386 units in September (31.8% growth) and 4,674 units in January (23.7% growth). This performance made it the Spanish market leader, which itself grew by 14.7% with a total of 854,656 units sold, overcoming economic challenges like 2.2% inflation and a 28.8% rise in demand for used cars due to floods in Valencia. In Europe, Sandero maintained its top position driven by private sales (5,173 units in Q1), benefiting from a shift toward hybrid and economical vehicles.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Sandero has strengthened Morocco’s position as a key manufacturing hub, with the automotive industry being the leading non-oil export sector, exporting 89% of vehicles to Europe. “Made in Morocco” marketing campaigns have boosted confidence in quality, while partnerships with firms like China’s Yutong have integrated smart technologies. Locally, Sandero ranked second in Morocco with 8,523 units sold up to April 2025, behind Logan, amid a 35.5% market growth.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The Moroccan industry faces challenges such as a shortage of electric charging stations and rising global raw material costs. Nevertheless, the Spanish market is expected to grow by 2.3% in 2025, supported by investments in electric vehicles. Morocco’s plans to reach an annual production of 4 million cars by 2030, including launching electric Sandero models in 2026, will further strengthen its dominance, especially with increasing hybrid demand (41.6% of sales in Spain).
Table: Dacia Sandero vs. Competitors in Spain (until September 2025)
| Model | Sales | Base Price (€) | Consumption (L/100 km) | Market Share (%) | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dacia Sandero | 28,760 | 13,000 | 3.6 | 3-4 | Economical, ECO, LPG |
| Seat Ibiza | ~25,000 | 15,000 | 4.5 | 2.8 | Urban, Spanish |
| Toyota Corolla | ~22,000 | 24,000 | 4.0 (Hybrid) | 2.5 | Hybrid, Reliable |
| Hyundai Tucson | ~20,000 | 28,000 | 5.0 | 2.3 | SUV, Tech |
| Renault Clio | ~18,000 | 16,000 | 4.2 | 2.1 | Compact, French |
Conclusion
Dacia Sandero represents a unique Moroccan success story, reshaping the dynamics of the Spanish market thanks to its quality and competitive price. This achievement fortifies Morocco’s position as a rising industrial power with promising prospects for expanding its presence in Europe. For ongoing updates, it is recommended to consult reports from ANFAC or news platforms such as Kech24 and Assahifa.
فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة