Marrakech – Morocco has received the first batch of 723 high-end Yutong buses from China, part of the country’s preparations for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to begin on December 21.

The Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong announced the delivery on social media, stating: “A fleet of 723 high-end Yutong buses for Morocco has officially rolled off the production line.” The company added that it will “provide Morocco with comprehensive transport services and reliable operational support,” making it the “leading bus brand serving the tournament.”

According to Chinese media outlet Science and Technology Daily, an official handover ceremony took place on Friday at Yutong’s electric vehicle production facility in the Zhengzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone in Henan province.

The event, attended by representatives from Morocco, Yutong executives, and local media, marked the delivery of buses that will showcase high-standard “Made in China” products serving the upcoming international sporting event in Africa.

The buses have been specially designed to meet Morocco’s geographical and climate challenges, with features that can withstand heat, humidity, and sandstorms.

Converging Chinese media reports quoted Di Bei, Director of High-end and Overseas Production at Yutong Bus, as saying: “In response to Morocco’s complex environment characterized by steep slopes, sandstorms, and drought, Yutong’s R&D team conducted advance simulations to verify reliability throughout the vehicle’s entire lifecycle, ensuring structural components meet the requirements for 20 years or 2 million kilometers of ultra-long service.”

To adapt to Moroccan cities’ narrow streets, they include an independent front axle suspension system that reduces turning radius, while the chassis suspension has been optimized through 10,000 kilometers of extreme condition simulation tests to enhance traversability and comfort on complex roads.

Equipped with Yutong’s self-developed “Blue Core System,” the vehicles also integrate intelligent fuel-saving programs, achieving industry-benchmark fuel consumption levels that balance efficiency and economy.

The customer representative from Morocco, An Xili, praised the cooperation: “The Yutong team is highly professional and responsive, providing not just vehicles but comprehensive solutions,” according to Chinese media reports.

Yutong expands operations across African transport sector

This delivery represents the largest single order of Chinese buses in Africa. Yutong has promised a comprehensive service package that includes training, maintenance, and spare parts supply. The company has deployed over 100 specialized technicians to support the operation during AFCON 2025, with a permanent team available 24/7.

Yutong has extensive experience providing transportation for major global events. The company previously supplied 1,500 buses for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has served other international gatherings, including the G20, APEC, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Since entering the African market in 2004, Yutong has established sales and service networks in nearly 50 countries, including South Africa and Ethiopia, with cumulative sales exceeding 22,500 vehicles and 94 service stations, forming an integrated “production-sales-service” ecosystem.

The company’s KD (knock-down) factory in Ethiopia has created jobs for 2,000 local residents, becoming a model for China-Africa capacity cooperation.

A Yutong Bus representative responsible for the African region revealed that the company plans to expand its KD factories in Ethiopia and Egypt in the future, promoting new energy technology to help Africa build a low-carbon transportation system.

Half of Morocco’s future fleet becoming electric

The bus acquisition is part of Morocco’s broader transportation strategy. In February, Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour announced plans to purchase 7,000 new buses, including electric models, by 2030. This initiative coincides with Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

Mezzour revealed that the Ministry of Interior had already launched the first tender for 1,317 buses, including 30 electric vehicles. The government aims to make half of the remaining fleet electric as part of the country’s transition to greener transportation.

The recent bus delivery forms part of Morocco’s comprehensive preparations for AFCON 2025, which also include stadium renovations, new construction, and infrastructure upgrades to airports and other facilities. (MWN)