JEDDAH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched EXOBOT, the flagship electric vehicles from CEER, Saudi Arabia’s national automotive company, on Monday.The launch marks a major milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop an advanced automotive industry and expand its industrial base.“The launch of CEER's first vehicles represents another step forward in Saudi Arabia's progression to build a sustainable and prosperous industrial ecosystem,” the Crown Prince said.“It further enables the automotive sector as a key driver of economic growth, through attracting investments, empowering national talent, and expanding the private sector's role to further position Saudi Arabia to become a leading regional and global hub for this industry.”The EXOBOT sedan and SUV are the first vehicles in a planned portfolio of seven models that CEER intends to launch over the next five years.The portfolio will include midsize and compact vehicles with different propulsion options designed to meet a range of customer needs.The vehicles will be produced at the CEER Manufacturing Complex (CMC), described as the largest automotive production facility in the Middle East and one of the most technologically advanced in the world.Designed and engineered locally, the EXOBOT sedan and SUV feature a distinctive design inspired by Saudi Arabia’s landscape and culture while reflecting the Kingdom’s future ambitions.The vehicles have been developed in accordance with global standards as Saudi Arabia seeks to establish itself as a growing force in the international automotive industry.By 2034, CEER is projected to contribute more than SR30 billion ($8 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product and more than SR80 billion ($21 billion) to improving the Kingdom’s trade balance, while creating direct and indirect quality jobs.PIF launched CEER in 2022 as Saudi Arabia’s first automotive brand, with the aim of developing the national industrial ecosystem, attracting investment, creating opportunities for the private sector and increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP.