KGM Launches Operations in Morocco Through M-AUTOMOTIV Partnership

Marrakech – Korean automotive manufacturer KGM has officially launched its operations in Morocco through a partnership with M-AUTOMOTIV, marking the return of the rebranded SsangYong marque to the Moroccan market.

The launch introduces KGM’s complete vehicle lineup to Moroccan consumers, spanning from compact SUVs to electric vehicles and commercial pick-ups.

KGM operates under the philosophy “Enjoy with confidence,” positioning itself as a brand combining Korean reliability with modern technology, the company said in a press release.

M-AUTOMOTIV, Morocco’s leading automotive distributor, will handle KGM’s local operations through three initial showrooms. The locations include facilities in Rabat on Hassan II Boulevard and two Casablanca sites in the Lissasfa and Bandoeng areas.

“The launch of KGM in Morocco symbolizes the opening of a new chapter in our mobility vision,” stated Souhail Houmaini, M-AUTOMOTIV’s General Manager. “Through this introduction, we confirm our commitment to proposing brands with strong potential, capable of transforming the Moroccan automotive landscape.”

M-AUTOMOTIV emerged from a collaboration between Cap Holding and HS Gestion in June 2023. The distributor operates 27 sales points across Morocco with over 650 employees, handling Renault, Dacia, and Alpine brands alongside used vehicle operations.

The company has received consecutive “Customer Service of the Year” awards and previously expanded its portfolio by signing partnerships with JAC Motors in November 2024 and launching SOUEAST in June 2025.

Product portfolio and technology

KGM’s Moroccan lineup includes five primary models targeting different market segments. The Torres ICE features a 1.5L turbo engine producing 163 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, equipped with a 12.3-inch central screen and smartphone connectivity.

The electric Torres EVX delivers 207 horsepower with a WLTP range of 462 kilometers. The vehicle includes dual 12.3-inch displays and cargo capacity reaching 1,662 liters with seats folded.

Urban buyers can access the compact Tivoli SUV, powered by the same 1.5L turbo engine as the Torres ICE. The model emphasizes city driving with modular seating and storage configurations.

The premium Rexton SUV utilizes a 2.2L diesel engine generating 202 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. Features include leather seating, panoramic sunroof, and intelligent all-wheel-drive systems with eight-speed automatic transmission.

Commercial applications are served by the Musso Grand pick-up truck, offering both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations with the 2.2L diesel powerplant. The vehicle combines double-cab seating with reinforced cargo bed construction.

Financial performance and market position

KGM, originally established in 1954 in South Korea, underwent significant transformation following its acquisition by KG Group in 2022. The company completed its rebranding from SsangYong to KG Mobility in 2023, adopting the KGM brand identity.

The automotive manufacturer has demonstrated remarkable financial recovery following years of losses. KGM reported revenues of ₩3.78 trillion ($2.8 billion) for 2024, marking the second consecutive year of profitability after seven years of losses.

Operating profit reached ₩12.3 billion ($9.2 million) while net profit totaled ₩46.2 billion ($34.6 million), according to annual results announced in February 2025.

The Korean manufacturer achieved operating profit growth of 147% and net profit growth of 213% compared to 2023. However, revenue remained essentially flat with growth of just 0.1 percent year-on-year. The company’s margins remain thin despite the turnaround, with operating margins at approximately 0.3% and net margins around 1.2%.

KGM’s financial recovery began in 2023 when the company achieved its first full-year profit in seven years. Korean business reports attributed the turnaround to improved product mix and brand refresh following the KG Group takeover and transition away from the SsangYong name.

The company sold 116,099 vehicles in 2023 and maintained similar volumes in 2024. Domestic sales in South Korea faced pressure in 2024, declining 12.6% to 89,888 units as the overall Korean market softened. Export performance showed stronger momentum, particularly in European markets including Spain and Hungary.

KGM’s first quarter 2024 results demonstrated consistent profitability with 20,326 vehicles sold and revenues of ₩1.00 trillion ($725 million). Operating profit for the quarter reached ₩15.1 billion ($11.3 million).

Export growth accelerated in mid-2024, with June sales reaching 9,358 units and export volumes up 17-25% year-on-year. European markets drove much of this export expansion following the KGM rebrand and introduction of new models.

International expansion strategy

KGM focuses on SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks while gradually expanding into electric vehicles and electric buses through its KGM Commercial division.

The Moroccan launch represents KGM’s continued international expansion as the company leverages its product portfolio refresh and brand repositioning.

KGM sells vehicles primarily in Korea and overseas markets across Europe and other export destinations.

According to the press release, KGM stresses a gradual transition toward electrification and hybrid technologies while maintaining focus on Korean engineering reliability combined with competitive pricing.

The Torres EVX represents the company’s current electric vehicle capabilities, while internal combustion models maintain focus on efficiency and performance.

The manufacturer targets diverse usage patterns from urban commuting to long-distance travel and commercial applications.

Vehicle design incorporates contemporary styling with emphasis on interior space and comfort features, positioning KGM as an alternative to established European and Japanese manufacturers in the SUV and pick-up segments.