Inside CEER: Saudi Arabia’s First EV Brand Driving the Future of Mobility

Published Date:

Jul 18, 2025

Last Updated :

Aug 1, 2025

Saudi Arabia is making a significant impact in clean mobility with CEER, its first electric vehicle brand. Launched in November 2022 under Vision 2030, CEER reflects a national ambition to diversify the economy. This joint venture between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Taiwan’s Foxconn, utilising licensed technology from BMW, combines global expertise with Saudi resources.

CEER is building EV sedans and SUVs tailored for the GCC and broader Middle East, with first deliveries expected in 2026. This move enhances the Saudi electric vehicle market and accelerates EV production in the Middle East, while launching a domestic EV manufacturing footprint.

Saudi Arabia Advances EV Goals with CEER Factory in KAEC

CEER’s electric car factory is under construction in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) near Jeddah. Awarded in March 2024 to Saudi Arabia’s Modern Building Leaders, the contract is valued at about SAR 5 billion (US$1.3 billion).

The complex spans over 1 million square meters, with a roofed area of 530,000 square meters, encompassing body shop, paint shop, general assembly, logistics, waste management, and a test track.

At full capacity, this site aims to handle up to 240,000 vehicles annually. As a major industrial landmark, the factory enhances Saudi Arabia's automotive manufacturing and supports the development of the EV supply chain.

CEER EV Technology Partnerships: Rimac, BMW, Hyundai Transys and Foxconn

CEER is partnering with several global technology leaders to accelerate its electric vehicle ambitions and local supply-chain development.

Rimac Technology

In October 2024, CEER inked a landmark deal with Croatia’s Rimac Technology to source high-performance, fully integrated electric drive systems (EDS) for its flagship EV models. This marks Rimac’s first venture into Gulf-scale production, expanding its portfolio beyond hypercars like the Nevera to include mass-market applications.

BMW

As part of its joint‑venture formation, CEER secured a license from BMW to incorporate the German automaker’s electric vehicle component technology into its development process. This licensing agreement ensures that CEER benefits from BMW’s expertise in electric powertrains and software.

Hyundai Transys

In June 2024, CEER finalised a SAR 8.2 billion (USD 2.18 billion) contract with Hyundai Transys for its innovative “three-in-one” integrated drive system, which combines motor, inverter, and reduction gear. This compact, efficient solution improves performance, design flexibility, and cost competitiveness.

Foxconn

As a joint‑venture partner, Foxconn plays a key role in developing CEER’s electrical architecture, infotainment systems, connectivity, and vehicle autonomy platforms. Their deep experience in electronics manufacturing supports CEER’s vision of advanced, software-defined EVs for the MENA region.

CEER EV Investment Saudi Arabia: Economic Impact, Jobs and GDP Contribution

Night sky over Riyadh with the city's illuminated skyline and iconic towers glowing against the dark backdrop.

National Transformation and Investment

CEER is accelerating Saudi Arabia’s transformation by investing heavily, creating jobs, and contributing to the country’s economic growth. More than $150 million in foreign direct investment is projected to be secured through support from strategic suppliers, tech alliances, and international partnerships.

Localisation and Industrial Partnerships

A series of local industry deals worth SAR 5.5 billion (approximately $1.4 billion) were signed in early 2025, with over 80% of them involving Saudi-based companies. These partnerships are part of CEER’s broader effort to reach 45% production localisation.

Job Creation and Workforce Development

CEER is anticipated to create up to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, spanning high-skill roles in engineering, R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.

As of February 2025, CEER’s workforce includes over 1,300 professionals, supported by international experts. The KAEC manufacturing complex, which has been under construction since 2024, will continue scaling up hiring through the late 2020s.

GDP Contribution and Manufacturing Capacity

CEER is expected to contribute $8 billion in direct GDP to Saudi Arabia by 2034, underscoring its role as a key national industrial hub.

The KAEC facility will feature an annual production capacity of 240,000 electric vehicles, positioning it as the most advanced automotive manufacturing site in the Middle East and North Africa.

Global Technology Alliances

CEER has formed key alliances with global technology leaders, including:

Rimac – High-performance electric drive systems
Hyundai Transys – Powertrain components
Siemens – Digital design and automation
KAUST – Research in smart mobility and advanced engineering

Sustainable Car Manufacturing and Green Mobility Alignment with Vision 2030

An electric vehicle plugged into a single charging station, with a digital screen and modern design.

Commitment to Zero Waste Manufacturing

At the heart of CEER’s manufacturing strategy is a firm commitment to zero waste to landfill. Its production facilities are designed to minimise environmental impact through:

Advanced waste management systems
Resource-efficient technologies
Circular economy principles

This positions CEER as a frontrunner in sustainable automotive manufacturing in the Middle East.

Supporting Green Mobility in Saudi Arabia

CEER’s impact extends beyond vehicle manufacturing, playing a vital role in building a green mobility sector in Saudi Arabia. The company fosters local capacity and technological advancement while also collaborating with major national initiatives such as NEOM and EVIQ.

These partnerships contribute to the development of essential electric vehicle infrastructure, including charging stations and advancements in battery technology.

Smartphone displaying electric vehicle charging information, including battery percentage, charging speed, and estimated time remaining.

Alignment with Vision 2030 and Climate Goals

This broader role aligns closely with Vision 2030 and the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) strategy to diversify the Saudi economy through high-impact sectors, such as clean transportation.

By focusing on sustainable mobility solutions, CEER supports the Kingdom’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, contributes to the national target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s overall climate action commitments.

Driving Sustainable Transport

CEER reflects Saudi Arabia’s transition toward an environmentally responsible and innovation-driven mobility future by emphasising sustainable production, supporting clean energy transport, and actively collaborating on future-focused projects.