HIBAPRESS – Rabat
A source close to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, revealed the reality of the latter benefiting from public support in the car project.
Former parliamentarian Abdellatif Sodo revealed in a post, quoting a source from the minister, detailed clarifications on the various points raised, emphasizing the importance of responsible interaction and clarifying matters for the public.
In this regard, the same source revealed that the information circulating regarding the production of electric cars is inaccurate, explaining that the cars that have been launched are currently fuel-powered cars, and not electric as it was promoted.
Regarding the investment and funding, the same source explained that the total investment in the "New Motors" project between 2018 and 2023 amounted to only 30 million dirhams, which was funded as follows: 24 million dirhams in the form of loans that will be repaid in three installments over 12 months, 6 million dirhams in the form of a direct investment from the owners, stressing that the project did not receive any support from the state or any governmental body.
Regarding the car presented to the King, the source stressed that the car presented to His Majesty the King has no relation to the government or public institutions, indicating that the company has sold 200 cars since last June, which is equivalent to its current production capacity as a medium-sized industrial enterprise.
Regarding the alleged agreement worth 50 million euros, the source categorically denied the existence of any government support agreement worth 50 million euros, explaining that what was signed is just an internal investment agreement that indicates the total amount that will be invested by the owners over specific years, without any commitment from the state or public bodies.
The same source stressed that the company "New Motors" was established in 2017, i.e., before the appointment of Mehdi Bensaid as a minister, even before he assumed any governmental or partisan responsibility, and when he was appointed as a minister, the various official media outlets were notified of his previous connection to the project, without any attempt to hide that.
The source concluded his clarifications by emphasizing that Minister Bensaid regularly declares his assets to the High Council of Accounts since he took over his electoral responsibilities starting in 2011 and until now, in accordance with the law and the procedures in force.
