Saudi Arabia's Ceer Unveils Exobot: First National Electric Car in Sedan and 4X4 Variants

Ceer, Saudi Arabia's national car company, has officially launched its first electric vehicle, the Exobot, marking the kingdom's first homegrown electric car. The Exobot will be available in two body styles: a sedan and a 4X4 variant. The launch was overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Public Investment Fund, according to the Saudi Press Agency (WAS).

Exobot: First of Seven Models in Five Years

The plan is bold. Exobot is just the beginning, as Ceer intends to roll out seven new models over the next five years, covering compact and mid-size cars, plus models with various drivetrain systems. All Ceer vehicles will be manufactured at the Ceer Industrial Complex within King Salman Automotive Complex in King Abdullah Economic City — a clear move toward full local manufacturing rather than mere assembly.

Design Rooted in Saudi Identity

What sets the Exobot apart is its identity. The car's design draws inspiration from Saudi environment and culture. It was fully designed and engineered locally, the company says, while meeting global specifications and standards. The goal is straightforward: build a Saudi car brand capable of competing regionally and globally, while developing a local industrial ecosystem and attracting more investment into the sector.

SR30 Billion Toward GDP by 2034

The numbers reveal the scale of ambition. Ceer expects to contribute more than SR30 billion (around $8 billion) to the kingdom's GDP by 2034, improve the trade balance by roughly SR80 billion. Create direct and indirect jobs. The Public Investment Fund launched Ceer in 2022 as Saudi Arabia's first automotive brand, part of its plan to diversify the economy and support local industrial growth.

2026: A Milestone Year

James DeLuca, CEO of Ceer, calls 2026 a milestone in the company's journey. The Exobot's launch caps a process that started with initial design and advanced engineering, culminating in the construction of an advanced manufacturing facility in record time. The new model could eventually compete with the Tesla Model Y or an electric Hyundai Tucson, though the market awaits full pricing and specifications. For now, Exobot stands as a first step toward localizing EV manufacturing in the kingdom.