24-06-2025
Merci Dix : A thank you and farewell to Morocco's iconic Mercedes Taxis
The Mercedes-Benz 240D has served as Morocco's primary taxi vehicle for decades, becoming an integral part of the nation's urban transport system since the 1970s and 1980s. These yellow diesel vehicles have dominated city streets across major Moroccan centers, with many accumulating over one million kilometers of service.
NOWNESS, a global video platform that showcases artfully produced short films celebrating contemporary culture, design, fashion, and storytelling from around the world, highlighted Morocco's fading taxi heritage through director Matthew Trainor's documentary «Merci Dix». The latter captures the final chapter of these vintage vehicles after government modernization efforts have dramatically reduced the classic fleet, leaving only six Mercedes 240D taxis operational in Marrakech.
Ibrahim Ahissou, who has operated taxis in Marrakech for 30 years, drives one of the remaining vintage Mercedes vehicles. «The old taxis are better than the new ones», Ahissou explains, reflecting the sentiment of drivers who prefer the reliability of the classic diesel engines over modern alternatives.
The documentary, named after the Moroccan-French expression meaning «thanks times ten», a phrase that, when said quickly, also echoes «Mercedes», showcases the cultural significance of these sun-bleached vehicles as they face systematic replacement. It also honors what once defined Marrakech's transportation landscape and marked Moroccan urban life.
