Saudi Ceer Unveils First EVs as It Targets Regional Auto Market

Post by : Saif

Saudi electric vehicle maker Ceer has unveiled its first two fully electric cars as the kingdom pushes to build a domestic automobile industry and reduce its dependence on oil. The company introduced the Exobot premium sedan and SUV in King Abdullah Economic City on September 21, with sales in Saudi Arabia expected to begin in early 2027.

Ceer Unveils Exobot Sedan and SUV

The two new vehicles, both called Exobot, have a futuristic design with upward-opening “gullwing” doors. Ceer has also used a pillar-less design between the front and rear seats, with high-strength materials providing structural support.

Ceer CEO Jim DeLuca said the company wanted the new vehicles to demonstrate what Saudi Arabia could achieve in automobile manufacturing.

The launch marks an important step for Ceer, which was created to develop Saudi Arabia's own vehicle manufacturing industry.

Five More Models Planned by 2030

Ceer plans to introduce five additional mainstream models between 2028 and 2030. The company initially focused entirely on electric vehicles, but its future range will also include plug-in hybrid and combustion-engine vehicles.

The move reflects changing demand in the global automobile market, where manufacturers are balancing electric vehicles with other powertrain technologies.

Ceer says its upcoming mainstream vehicles will be designed to meet global regulatory requirements, allowing the company to potentially sell them in international markets.

Foxconn and BMW Support Ceer's Plans

Ceer is a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer Foxconn.

Foxconn has provided the electrical architecture for the Exobot vehicles, while German automaker BMW has provided engineering support.

Several major automotive suppliers are also building operations in Saudi Arabia. These include US-based Lear, South Korea's Shin Young, Germany's Benteler and China's Fangxin.

The growing supplier network is designed to give Ceer more local access to components and support Saudi Arabia's wider plans to develop an automotive manufacturing sector.

Read more: Tata and Hyundai Urge India to Remove Emission Concession That Favors Small Cars

Saudi Arabia Tries Again to Build Auto Industry

Saudi Arabia has previously attempted to establish a domestic automobile manufacturing industry, but earlier plans struggled because of high costs and limited local suppliers.

Ceer is taking a different approach by combining Saudi investment with international automotive and technology partners.

The company is also planning gradual expansion rather than immediately targeting a large global market.

Ceer Plans Regional Expansion

Ceer expects to begin expanding into nearby markets in 2028 before targeting wider markets across the Middle East and North Africa.

The company plans to grow gradually through 2034. DeLuca said the company wants to move carefully because mistakes can be particularly damaging for a new automobile manufacturer.

The global EV industry has also become increasingly competitive, with Chinese manufacturers expanding their international presence and several electric vehicle startups struggling or shutting down in recent years.

What Ceer's EV Launch Means for Saudi Arabia

Ceer's launch is part of Saudi Arabia's wider effort to diversify its economy beyond oil. Building a domestic automotive sector could create manufacturing jobs, attract international suppliers and increase local industrial production.

For Ceer, the immediate focus will be bringing the Exobot sedan and SUV to the Saudi market in 2027 and preparing its next five models for launch from 2028 onward.

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