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Saudi Arabia launches Ceer, its first automaker

Ars Technica •
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Saudi Arabia has never had a domestic automaker—until now. Ceer, a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Foxconn, is the Kingdom's first home-grown car company and a key part of Vision 2030 to diversify its economy. Ceer means "drive forward" in Arabic.

The flagship Exobot sedan and SUV feature falcon doors called Shahin Wing, electrochromatic glass, and a 48-inch digital instrument cluster inspired by the Riyadh skyline. Ceer plans seven new cars by 2030, some hybrids, initially for the GCC region.

CEO James Deluca said the Crown Prince inspired the team: "If the world goes left, we go right." Both models have 32 independent elements in the light bar, honoring 1932, the year the Kingdom was established.

CTO Markus Leitner confirmed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at launch. The infotainment system is unique Ceer IP co-developed with Foxconn, with over-the-air updates available.