Crown prince unveils first Ceer car, boosting Saudi auto industry

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has introduced Ceer's inaugural vehicle, the Exobot, signaling a significant advancement for Saudi Arabia's automotive industry. The crown prince, who serves as Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund, unveiled the first model from Saudi national automaker Ceer during a modern launch event.

The launch underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing an advanced industrial sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, as well as bolstering Saudi Arabia's standing on the global automotive stage. Speaking at the event, the crown prince noted, "The launch of Ceer’s first car represents another milestone in Saudi Arabia's pursuit of a sustainable and prosperous industrial ecosystem.

It will empower the automotive sector as a crucial catalyst for economic expansion by drawing in investment, nurturing domestic talent, and elevating the private sector's role, positioning the Kingdom as a leading regional and global hub in this field."

The Exobot, available in both sedan and SUV formats, marks Ceer's initial product in a series of seven vehicles set to debut over the next five years. The lineup will span medium and compact sizes, equipped with diverse drive systems to cater to varying consumer preferences. All models will be constructed at the Ceer Industrial Complex, situated within the King Salman Automotive City in King Abdullah Economic City.

This facility represents the largest of its kind in the Middle East and one of the most sophisticated automotive plants globally. Exobot boasts a distinctive design that draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia's natural terrain and cultural heritage, embodying the Kingdom's vision. Crafted and engineered locally to the highest international standards, this vehicle underscores Saudi Arabia's emergence as a regional automotive force to be reckoned with.

The introduction of Ceer's first car is expected to inject over 30 billion riyals (SAR 8 billion) into Saudi Arabia's GDP, improve the trade balance by approximately 80 billion riyals (SAR 21 billion), and generate a substantial number of quality jobs by 2034. The unveiling underscores the Public Investment Fund's endeavors to cultivate a competitive, integrated local automotive industry.

Serving as a pivotal driver of economic diversification, the fund inaugurated Ceer in 2022 as Saudi Arabia's inaugural homegrown automotive brand. The fund's primary objectives include bolstering the national industrial ecosystem, attracting investment, creating opportunities for the private sector, and ultimately driving GDP growth.