How Morocco's car spotting subculture is thriving as luxury brands ignite automotive passion

How Morocco's car spotting subculture is thriving as luxury brands ignite automotive passion
Mehdi Bozari
Tuesday 18 July 2023 - 17:32

Revving engines, sleek designs, and roaring horsepower have found a captivating stage in the vibrant streets of Morocco. As the world’s most luxurious car brands seek new avenues to captivate audiences and unveil their latest marvels, Morocco has emerged as a favored destination for car spotting enthusiasts and automotive fanatics alike. 

Luxury car brands flock to Morocco:

International luxury car giants like Ferrari and Porsche have chosen the North African gem to showcase their cutting-edge creations. 

 Passion for automobiles collides with the art of photography in Morocco, creating a subculture that is rapidly expanding and captivating the hearts of car enthusiasts nationwide.

On May 16, the international luxury car brand Ferrari unveiled its ‘Rome Spider’ on a glamorous night in Morocco at the El Badi Palace in Marrakesh after filming a promotional video in Rabat, showcasing the car’s movement in various iconic locations

“The North African country provided the perfect backdrop for the launch of the car, with breathtaking landscapes and the ancient city walls providing a link between past and present,” reads Ferrari’s official website.

Luxury car brands have been flocking to Morocco to host their shows and car reveals, which comes as no surprise following the Qatar World Cup Effect. 

Mehdi Bozari, a Moroccan car content creator known as “Bodzari,” explains that Morocco has always been a testing ground for big brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin. 

The country’s strategy to promote tourism and its achievements in the Football World Cup has played a significant role in attracting these brands. 

Bodzari, an active participant in the Moroccan car spotting and photography scene, highlights the recent influx of events, including the Porsche 911 Dakar media drive and the Ferrari Cavalcade tour, where more than 80 Ferraris visited the south of Morocco.

Car spotting culture is rapidly expanding in Morocco, fueled by the digital age and the sharing and applause of vehicle-related content on social media. 

It goes beyond merely spotting cars: it is the foundation of automobile photography. Car enthusiasts gather at meetups to learn about new cars and their features, while photographers focus on capturing the exterior beauty or intricate details of the vehicles. 

Mehdi Bozari

Hespress EN interviewed car spotters from different backgrounds to provide insights into this culture. 

Making a living out of a passion:

Bodzari describes car spotting as “basically going out there and trying to find cars that are interesting to you, in your area, in other cities, maybe other countries, wherever.” 

He utilizes Instagram to share his knowledge and showcase the cars he spots, gaining a hungry audience.

While car spotting is often seasonal, with spring and summer being the busiest times worldwide, Morocco’s unique weather and thriving car community offer year-round opportunities. 

Bodzari notes that car spotting can be a challenging endeavor, as photographers sometimes face resistance from car owners who may not understand their passion. 

However, he believes that the pursuit is worth it, having transitioned from a 9-to-5 office job to dedicating himself full-time to his car photography career. 

Bodzari’s success lies in his ability to produce content from start to finish, including capturing photos and videos, editing them, and effectively promoting them to his audience and brands.

Mehdi Bozari

It’s just a hobby!

Ismael Daoudi, another prominent figure in the Moroccan car spotting scene known as “Petroleheadiary,” sees car spotting as an adrenaline-fueled hobby that allows him to witness his favorite cars in action. He emphasizes the role of social media, particularly Instagram, in spreading car spotting culture across Morocco. 

The platform has made it easier for car spotters to share their passion and connect with others who appreciate automobiles. Unlike Bozari, Ismael views car spotting as a hobby and intends to pursue a career as a doctor.

Nevertheless, he recognizes the potential for content creators to make a living from creating car-related content on social media, although the financial aspect remains subjective and varies among individuals.

The world of car spotting is an under-appreciated subculture, passion, and form of art. It requires expertise, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. Some individuals, like Mehdi Bozari, have left their traditional jobs to pursue their passions in the uncertain business of car spotting. The allure of capturing the essence of a vehicle and sharing it with a passionate audience is a driving force for these enthusiasts. 

As the Moroccan car spotting community continues to grow and evolve, opportunities for collaboration with brands and the monetization of their craft will likely expand, cementing their place in the automotive world.

With luxury car brands choosing the country as a favored destination for their showcases and events, the Moroccan car spotting scene is thriving. Enthusiasts like Mehdi Bozari and Ismael Daoudi are at the forefront, dedicating themselves to capturing and sharing the beauty of cars on social media platforms. 

While challenges exist, such as resistance from car owners and the unpredictable nature of the business, these car spotters continue to pursue their passions and contribute to the growing appreciation for car spotting as a legitimate art form.

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