Fiat to Produce, Launch New Grizzly SUVs From Morocco’s Kenitra Plant

Fiat will begin selling its Grizzly mid-sized SUV and Grizzly Fastback in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa starting in the second half of 2026. Both models will be produced at Stellantis’ Kenitra plant in Morocco, utilizing the low-cost ‘Smart Car’ platform already used for vehicles like the Fiat Grande Panda and Citroën C3. The SUVs will come in petrol, hybrid, and fully electric variants, with the standard Grizzly offering up to seven seats and the Fastback featuring a sleeker, coupe-style design. The launch aligns with Stellantis’ broader strategy to introduce over 60 new vehicles and 50 major refreshes by 2030, with Fiat as one of its four core brands. The automaker is prioritizing cost efficiency, aiming for a 20% reduction in production costs through modular platforms to compete with Chinese manufacturers in Europe. Morocco’s Kenitra plant will also produce the Fiat Koala, derived from the Panda platform, and the Quattrolino, a four-seat electric quadricycle. Stellantis’ $1.2 billion investment in the facility includes $702 million for local supplier development, targeting 535,000 annual production units by 2030. The expansion aims to raise local integration to 75% and create 3,100 jobs, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a key automotive hub. Morocco’s automotive sector remains its top export industry, with exports surpassing $5.82 billion in the first four months of 2026, an 18.6% increase from the previous year. The sector employs over 180,000 people and produces more than one million vehicles annually. Stellantis’ expansion underscores Morocco’s growing importance in the global automotive supply chain, moving beyond low-cost production to a fully integrated manufacturing hub.