Saudi Arabia launches its first automaker Ceer with Exobot models in 2027
Quick Look
- Saudi Arabia unveiled its first automaker Ceer, which plans to release two Exobot models in 2027 - a sedan and an SUV - with three electric motors, all-wheel drive and 850 hp.
- The cars will be produced locally with the support of Foxconn, BMW and Hyundai Transys, and by 2030 the company plans to release seven models.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia previously did not have its own automaker and was not among the countries with established car production. Ceer is a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's state investment fund and Taiwan's Foxconn, created to develop the local auto industry.
Saudi Arabia cannot be called a leader in the automobile industry, and it has not yet been one of the countries where car production has been established. Local automaker Ceer intends to radically change the situation. Already in 2027, two Exobot models will enter the market in sedan and SUV bodies, writes Road & Track.
These are the debut production cars of the first Saudi automaker. Both are equipped with a power plant with three electric motors and drive on both axles. It produces 850 horsepower and 738 pound-feet (1,000.59 Newton meters) of torque. The sedan, according to the company, accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 2.6 seconds, the SUV in 2.9 seconds. Energy is provided by a 112 kilowatt-hour battery. Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, a charge from 10 to 80 percent takes less than 30 minutes. The stated range is 640 kilometers for the sedan and 560 kilometers for the SUV, but these values are based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Among other things, the company mentioned air suspension, electronic steering and rear wheel steering.
The cabin features a large 48-inch diagonal curved screen with 8K resolution, which stretches across the entire front panel. There are also doors that Ceer calls Shahin Wing. They do not have central pillars, but they open like “gull wings”.
Although the cars are marketed as being designed and assembled in Saudi Arabia, there is extensive international experience behind the project. Ceer is a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Foxconn. When creating the company, Foxconn announced that it would be involved in the electrical architecture of the cars, and Ceer would license components from BMW.
Hyundai Transys has also become a major supplier: the contract provides for Ceer to supply integrated electric drive systems from 2027. Such units combine a motor, inverter and gearbox in a single unit. Despite the partnerships, Ceer intends to produce cars at its own production complex in the King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia (King Abdullah Economic City, KAEC).
The company announced a plan to release seven models by 2030, including more compact cars and versions with different powertrains. Prices have not yet been announced. The limited edition First Edition will go first, followed by Exobot Plus.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ceer will begin mass production of Exobot models in 2027
Very likely · Within years
By 2030, Ceer will release at least seven electric vehicle models
Likely · Within years
Open Questions
- What will the price be for the Exobot models?
- What kind of power units will be used in future models besides electric ones?
- How realistic is the plan to produce seven models by 2030, given current partnerships and production capacity?
