Saudi Arabia launches Ceer, the kingdom’s first domestic EV maker
Saudi Arabia has entered the automotive arena with Ceer, a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Foxconn. The company unveiled its flagship Exobot sedan and SUV, featuring futuristic falcon‑style doors, advanced infotainment, and a powerful 800‑V electric platform. Ceer aims to produ…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Saudi Arabia’s long‑awaited foray into car manufacturing began today with the launch of Ceer, a joint venture between the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn. The company unveiled its first two vehicles, the Exobot sedan and the Exobot SUV, as a showcase of what a home‑grown Saudi automaker can achieve.
What Ceer Is and Why It Matters
Ceer—Arabic for “drive forward”—is the kingdom’s first domestic carmaker and a cornerstone of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to diversify its economy away from oil. The venture is backed by the PIF, giving it deep financial resources and a clear mandate to create jobs and stimulate local supply chains. Foxconn brings its manufacturing expertise, while the partnership aims to produce a portfolio of seven vehicles, including hybrids, by 2030.
Flagship Models and Design Highlights
The Exobot sedan and SUV feature dramatic falcon‑style “Shahin Wing” doors that open vertically, adding a theatrical element that is both eye‑catching and functional. The doors incorporate electrochromatic glass that can be dimmed at the touch of a button, improving visibility in the SUV’s side windows. Inside, a 48‑inch digital instrument cluster spans the dashboard, and a 10‑inch center screen manages media, while an 8‑inch rear screen keeps passengers entertained.
Design cues pay homage to Saudi heritage: both models display 32 independent LED elements on the front and rear light bars, a nod to the year 1932 when the kingdom was founded. The interior also features a “Halo cooling” system that creates a cool air barrier between the roof and the cabin to combat the region’s extreme heat.
Powertrain, Performance, and Technology
Under the hood, the Exobots use a tri‑motor 800‑V architecture that delivers 1,111 hp (828 kW) and 1,100 lb‑ft (1,500 Nm) of torque. The sedan is rated at 373 miles (600 km) on the New European Driving Cycle, while the SUV offers 310 miles (500 km). Real‑world ranges are expected to be 300–400 miles, comparable to current luxury EVs from BMW and Mercedes.
Acceleration is blistering: the sedan can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just over 2 seconds, and the SUV does it in 2.4 seconds, with a standing‑quarter mile in 10 seconds. An 800‑V DC fast‑charging system can bring the battery to 80 % in about 30 minutes. Air suspension and a steer‑by‑wire system—potentially featuring a yoke—enhance handling and ride comfort.
Manufacturing, Jobs, and Future Expansion
Production will take place at a dedicated plant in King Abdullah Economic City, north of Jeddah. The complex will house suppliers, creating an ecosystem that could generate up to 35,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2034. While the current lineup is focused on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, Ceer says it is building a world‑class product that could be exported if demand arises.
Ceer’s leadership includes former General Motors executives and a CEO with experience at VinFast, giving the company a blend of legacy automotive know‑how and startup agility. The partnership with Foxconn also provides access to advanced electronics and manufacturing processes.
What Comes Next?
Ceer’s first models are aspirational, but the company plans to roll out more affordable, mainstream vehicles in the coming years. Success will hinge on how Saudi consumers receive the brand and how well the vehicles compete with existing Chinese imports. The “Saudi Made” branding initiative, part of Vision 2030, could give Ceer a competitive edge by appealing to national pride and local production incentives.
As Ceer moves toward production, the automotive landscape in Saudi Arabia—and potentially the wider GCC—could shift dramatically, offering a new domestic alternative to established global brands.
Key facts
- Ceer is Saudi Arabia’s first domestic automaker backed by the PIF and Foxconn
- Flagship Exobot sedan and SUV feature falcon‑style doors and 800‑V electric powertrains
- Vehicles offer 300–400 miles range and sub‑2‑second 0‑100 km/h acceleration
- Production in King Abdullah Economic City could create 35,000 jobs by 2034
- Ceer plans seven models by 2030, including hybrids, with potential GCC expansion
Why it matters
Ceer’s entry signals Saudi Arabia’s commitment to economic diversification and technological self‑reliance, potentially reshaping the GCC’s automotive market and creating new high‑skill employment opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Will Ceer sell cars outside the GCC?
Currently the focus is on the GCC, but the company says it is building a world‑class product that could be exported if demand exists.
What is the price range for the Exobot models?
Pricing has not been announced yet; the company is still finalizing details for the launch.
How many jobs will Ceer create?
Ceer expects to create 35,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2034.
Does Ceer offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
Yes, both infotainment systems will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from launch.
Sources
- [1] arstechnica.com — originally reported as “Saudi Arabia wants a car industry, launches Ceer with two EVs”
