CarteaNewsAutomotive WorldCeer: Saudi Arabia’s Electric Car Brand That Means “Drive Forward”—The Full Story, Features, and Future Vision

Ceer: Saudi Arabia’s Electric Car Brand That Means “Drive Forward”—The Full Story, Features, and Future Vision

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
2025-10-27
contents

Ceer (سير) is Saudi Arabia’s first indigenous electric vehicle brand, launched in 2022 as a pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to industrialize, decarbonize, and diversify the nation’s economy. Ceer is not only a car manufacturer—it’s a national symbol chosen for its deep Arabic meaning: “to move,” “to drive,” or “to travel.” With global partners Foxconn and BMW, multi-billion investments, and advanced technology, Ceer is building more than just cars—it’s shaping the future of mobility, industry, and Saudi talent.​

What Does “Ceer” Mean?

  • The name “Ceer” is derived from the Arabic verb سير, widely used in Saudi speech to mean moving, driving, or traveling.​

  • It represents mobility, ambition, and national progress; a word embodying the spirit of advancement—making it an ideal label for Saudi Arabia’s new high-tech auto industry.

  • Ceer’s concept is woven into Saudi culture and language, giving it local authenticity and pride, while also aiming to inspire regional and global recognition.

Milestones and Development Timeline

Year

Major Milestone

2022

Ceer launched by Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Foxconn; name chosen to symbolize “drive forward”

2023

Strategic agreements signed with Foxconn (technology & architecture) and BMW (component licensing)​

2024

Hyundai Transys signs $2.2 billion contract to supply integrated EV drive systems​

2025

Factory construction in King Abdullah Economic City: 1M sq.m. area, 530,000 sq.m. roof, 1,600+ employees​

2026

Ceer’s first production electric sedans and SUVs to hit the Saudi/GCC market​

2030

Factory planned capacity: 240,000 EVs/year; expansion for exports across MENA & global markets​

2034

Ceer targets $8B contribution to GDP, 30,000 new jobs through industrial and economic impact​

Ceer’s Strategic Features & Advantages

  • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) gives Ceer major financial and institutional backing, helping accelerate local capabilities and create an entire automotive ecosystem.​

  • Global engineering support comes from Foxconn (electric architecture), BMW (technology licensing), and Hyundai Transys (drive components), creating a blend of advanced expertise and regional adaptation.​

  • Ceer EVs will offer sophisticated infotainment, digital connectivity, autonomous features, and driver-assistance systems designed for Saudi and GCC climate challenges.​

  • The plant in KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City) is a smart mega-factory with battery, assembly, paint, logistics, and test tracks; designed to anchor both local manufacturing and Saudi content.​

  • Ceer’s industrial policy is tightly woven with Vision 2030: reduce oil dependency, support Saudi Green Initiative, and provide jobs for a new generation of Saudi talent.​

Industry Impact & Social Benefits

  • Economic Diversification: Ceer is central to transforming Saudi Arabia from oil exporter to advanced manufacturer, helping meet net-zero and Green Initiative targets.​

  • Investment & Employment: Initial investment exceeds SR562 million ($150M+), aiming for $8B GDP impact and 30,000 direct/indirect jobs by 2034.​

  • Technology Transfer: Saudi engineers and technicians receive training and experience from global partners, building long-term local capability and career prospects.​

  • Environmental Leadership: With carbon-neutral production, battery recycling, and smart energy, Ceer is setting the standard for sustainability in the region.​

Product Lineup & Technical Partnership Highlights

  • Ceer’s initial vehicles include battery electric sedans and SUVs tailored for GCC road and climate conditions; more models planned for export to MENA and Africa.​

  • Foxconn develops the electric “brain,” architecture, and digital platforms, making Ceer EVs among the most connected in Saudi Arabia.

  • BMW provides expert automotive component technology, from chassis and drivetrain to safety systems.

  • Hyundai Transys supplies high-efficiency electric drive units and modules, supporting robust performance and reliability.

  • Assembly, quality assurance, and R&D are being localized, creating a cycle of Saudi innovation and global standards.

Ceer vs. Other Regional & Global EV Brands

Feature

Ceer (Saudi)

Lucid (U.S./KSA)

BYD/Nio/Xpeng (China)

Name Meaning

Mobility, drive, travel

Clarity, luxury

Ambition, innovation

Origin/Ownership

PIF, Foxconn

Lucid Group, PIF (KSA plant)

Private/state

Key Tech Partners

Foxconn, BMW, Hyundai

U.S. engineering, partners

In-house R&D

Local Factory

KAEC, Jeddah

Arizona, KSA (future plant)

China

Production Capacity

240,000 EV/year by 2030

~50,000 EV/year

900,000+ (BYD)

Market Focus

GCC, MENA, Africa

Global luxury/premium

Global, China first

Local Jobs

30,000 by 2034

<5,000 in KSA by 2030

Local, global scale

The Wheel of Ambition

Once, a country rich in oil dreamed of inspiring the world by driving its future. Seeking a name for their first electric car, Saudi engineers and leaders chose “Ceer”—the word for forward motion and drive. Building on global wisdom but rooted in local pride, they set the wheels turning not just for cars, but for an entire nation’s journey into clean, green, advanced industry.

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Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.