Saudi Ceer Unveils EXOBOT EVs as Kingdom Targets Regional Auto Industry
Saudi Arabia's Ceer has unveiled its first electric vehicles, marking a major step in the Kingdom's attempt to build a domestic automotive industry and reduce its long-term dependence on oil.
Saudi electric vehicle company Ceer has unveiled its first two models, the EXOBOT sedan and SUV, as the country pushes to establish a competitive automotive manufacturing industry. The vehicles are scheduled to begin sales in Saudi Arabia in early 2027, while Ceer plans five additional models between 2028 and 2030.
Saudi Arabia is taking another major step beyond its traditional oil economy, this time through the automobile industry.
Ceer, the Kingdom's first automotive brand, has publicly unveiled its first electric vehicles, introducing the EXOBOT sedan and SUV as the foundation of a wider vehicle portfolio planned for the coming years.
The unveiling took place on September 21, 2026, at Ceer's manufacturing complex in King Abdullah Economic City. The company says the vehicles were designed and engineered in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant stage in the country's effort to develop domestic automotive capabilities.
Meet the EXOBOT
The first Ceer vehicles are being introduced under the EXOBOT name. The lineup initially consists of a premium electric sedan and an SUV, with designs intended to give the new Saudi brand a distinctive identity.
The vehicles feature an unconventional design with upward-opening gullwing doors. Ceer has also removed the conventional pillars between the front and rear seating areas, using high-strength materials as part of the vehicles' structural design.
Ceer says the EXOBOT was developed specifically with the Saudi and regional environment in mind, while being engineered to global automotive standards.
Ceer's First Edition is offered in sedan and SUV versions. The company lists an estimated NEDC range of up to 670 km for one version and 560 km for the other, with 10–80% charging listed at around 30 minutes. Both versions are rated at 850 horsepower, while the company lists 0–100 km/h times of 2.6 seconds for the sedan and 2.9 seconds for the SUV.
A Saudi Industrial Project, Not Just a Car Brand
Ceer was created in 2022 as a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn. The project was designed to do more than sell electric cars: it is intended to help create an automotive manufacturing ecosystem inside the Kingdom.
The company has built relationships with international suppliers and technology companies while encouraging manufacturers to establish operations in Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that companies including Lear, Shin Young, Benteler and Fangxin have established factories in the Kingdom as part of the developing supply network.
Foxconn has provided the electrical architecture for the EXOBOT vehicles, while BMW has contributed engineering expertise. Ceer has also worked with a wider group of international and local partners as it develops its manufacturing capabilities.
Seven Models Planned
The EXOBOT is only the beginning of Ceer's planned product strategy. The company says it intends to build a portfolio of seven models over the next five years.
Five additional mainstream vehicles are planned between 2028 and 2030. Unlike the initial EXOBOT models, the future lineup will cover a broader range of customers and vehicle categories, including midsize and compact models.
Ceer also says its future portfolio will not be limited to fully electric vehicles. The company plans to introduce plug-in hybrids and combustion-engine models as market demand develops.
From Saudi Arabia to the Wider Region
Ceer's ambitions extend beyond the Saudi market. The company plans to begin expanding into surrounding markets from 2028 before targeting a wider Middle East and North Africa presence.
That expansion would place Ceer in competition with established global manufacturers as well as rapidly growing Chinese electric vehicle companies that have been gaining market share internationally.
The timing is significant. The global auto industry is undergoing one of its biggest transformations in decades, with electric vehicles changing manufacturing, software, supply chains and the competitive landscape.
The Bigger Economic Goal
For Saudi Arabia, Ceer is closely connected to the country's broader economic diversification strategy. The Kingdom has been investing heavily in industries outside oil, including technology, manufacturing, tourism, logistics and renewable energy.
Ceer estimates that its operations could contribute about $8 billion to Saudi Arabia's GDP by 2034 and support direct and indirect employment. The company also has a target of increasing local content as the Saudi automotive supply chain develops.
Saudi authorities have also signed agreements aimed at localizing EV manufacturing and transferring industrial knowledge. In August 2026, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority said agreements with Ceer were expected to have an economic impact of about 9 billion Saudi riyals.
Why Building Cars Will Be Difficult
Launching a new vehicle brand is considerably more difficult than unveiling a striking prototype. Ceer must ultimately prove that it can manufacture vehicles consistently, build a reliable supply chain, control costs and establish customer confidence.
Saudi Arabia has attempted to develop domestic vehicle manufacturing before, with earlier projects failing to reach commercial scale. Ceer is approaching the challenge differently by combining sovereign investment with international automotive and technology partners and a growing local supplier base.
The company is also entering a highly competitive EV market. Chinese manufacturers have rapidly expanded their electric vehicle capabilities, while established automakers are investing heavily in batteries, software, autonomous-driving technology and new production platforms.
Ceer CEO James DeLuca has emphasized a cautious expansion strategy, noting that the company intends to move methodically as it develops the business.
What Comes Next
The immediate milestone is commercial production and the start of sales in Saudi Arabia. Ceer says the EXOBOT will enter the Saudi market in early 2027.
After that, the company's ability to scale production, expand its supplier network and introduce additional models will determine how far the Saudi automotive project can develop.
If Ceer succeeds in building a sustainable manufacturing operation, its significance could extend beyond the cars themselves. The project could help create a broader network of component manufacturers, engineers, software developers, service providers and industrial suppliers across the region.
Ceer's first EVs represent more than Saudi Arabia entering the electric-car market. They are a test of whether the Kingdom can turn large-scale investment and international partnerships into a lasting automotive industry capable of competing beyond its borders.
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