In a groundbreaking development for Morocco's heavy truck industry, Premium Group and Chinese manufacturer Shacman have announced the rollout of the first X6000 truck from their Berrechid factory. Already a staple in Asia, the vehicle is touted by its manufacturer as the «most powerful truck in the world», boasting a Cummins diesel engine with a 16.6-liter displacement. This powerhouse is coupled with a 16-speed automatic transmission, delivering an impressive 800 horsepower. The truck adheres to Euro 5 standards and incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including drowsiness detection and real-time telematics. Currently, 40% of the truck's components are assembled locally, with plans to increase this integration rate over time, mirroring practices at Renault and Stellantis plants. The production line aims to expand from two to three units, with aspirations to export to other African nations. The commencement of truck production in Morocco has stirred discontent in Algeria, where Shacman has encountered numerous challenges. Back in 2018, Shacman identified Algeria as a strategic market, capturing an 80% market share. An assembly plant was launched in Sétif in collaboration with the Mazouz-Trade group, with a projected capacity of 3,000 trucks annually. However, the political upheaval following the fall of the Bouteflika regime in 2019 led to the arrest of Ahmed Mazouz, Shacman's local partner, effectively severing the manufacturer's ties in Algeria. The military institution assumed control of Shacman's operations via the Ministry of National Defense, but a lack of progress stunted development. In 2024, the brand was handed over to a private entity, Cargo Connect, under unclear circumstances. Despite this effort to rejuvenate its presence, Shacman's ambitions have been hampered by the volatile Algerian market and bureaucratic hurdles.
