Saudi Arabia launches its own electric car brand

Following Vinfast and Togg, Ceer will be the national car manufacturer of Saudi Arabia, fully electric.

Should we be surprised by this company creation announcement? Saudi Arabia, traditionally an economy heavily centered on oil, is trying to diversify. Saudi Aramco, the national oil company, has already invested in the automotive industry, including Formula 1 in 2020, as a discipline partner and sponsor of Williams, then as the title sponsor of Aston Martin in 2022. It is also interested in Renault’s combustion branch, with whom it reportedly entered discussions in September, similar to Geely as revealed by Reuters. The country has also heavily invested in renewable energies, exemplified by massive solar power plants generating hundreds of GW.

Ceer, Electric Cars Made in Saudi Arabia in 2025

“Saudi Arabia is not just building a new car brand; we are initiating a new industry and an ecosystem attracting both local and international investments,” declares Prince Mohamed bin Salman. The new electric car manufacturer Ceer is expected to contribute $8 billion to the domestic GDP and create 30,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2034.

When will the first Ceer electric cars hit the market? The Saudi brand plans to launch in 2025. The PIF (Saudi Public Investment Fund) announces that production will indeed take place locally and will sell “a range of vehicles for Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.” To develop its electric vehicles, Ceer relies on a Chinese Foxconn platform, with which it is creating a joint venture, as well as German BMW’s technologies.

Saudi Arabia is thus following in the footsteps of other countries. Vietnam has already launched its car brand Vinfast (via Vingroup), and will enter Europe this year with fully electric vehicles. A few days ago, it was Turkey’s turn to officially produce its first Togg electric SUVs, ahead of a range of 5 vehicles by 2030.

Read also: Lucid Motors to deliver over 100,000 cars to Saudi Arabia