Saudi Arabia is taking another decisive step toward building a homegrown electric vehicle industry, as CEER, the Kingdom’s first national EV brand, announced the signing of 16 new commercial agreements worth more than SAR 3.7 billion—nearly $1 billion. The announcement came during the fourth edition of the Public Investment Fund and Private Sector Forum in Riyadh.
This move is about far more than expanding partnerships. It marks a clear shift in CEER’s journey—from planning and alignment to real execution on the ground. After agreements worth SAR 5.5 billion were announced last year, supply chains are now moving into action, guided by a long-term vision focused on anchoring industrial value locally and laying the foundations for an advanced EV manufacturing ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
A Clear Target: 45% Local Content by 2034
CEER CEO James DeLuca described the agreements as a cornerstone of the company’s localization strategy, which aims to achieve 45% local content across vehicle materials and components by 2034. Rather than limiting itself to vehicle assembly, CEER is focusing on deeper industrial integration—using local raw materials and enabling Saudi suppliers to become part of global automotive supply chains. This approach aligns closely with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly industrial diversification and sustainable economic growth.
DeLuca emphasized that this phase represents a genuine turning point for the Kingdom’s automotive sector, where local capabilities meet advanced technology and international expertise. Beyond economic value, the initiative also carries environmental benefits, contributing to lower carbon emissions through localized production.
From Agreements to Factory Floors
What makes this announcement particularly significant is that many of these partnerships have already moved beyond paperwork. Agreements that began as memoranda of understanding last year have now become binding contracts, covering a wide range of components and services—from cooling and braking systems to front-end modules, advanced polymers, chemical materials, and automotive glass solutions. The scope also includes building and equipping body shop infrastructure, along with specialized engineering services.
CEER has also signed new memoranda of understanding to localize strategic industries such as expanded polypropylene, HVAC systems, and the local manufacturing of window regulators and door hinges—steps that further deepen local content and strengthen long-term industrial independence.
Impact That Goes Beyond Headlines
Together, these partnerships will support a robust supply chain for CEER’s future lineup, which is expected to include seven models within the next five years. According to projections, CEER is set to contribute more than SAR 30 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2034, with an overall economic impact approaching SAR 79 billion, while creating around 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across the Kingdom.
With this move, CEER is positioning itself not just as a car manufacturer, but as a central pillar in Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation—helping shift the country from a consumer market to an active player in the global electric mobility landscape.
