Saudi Crown Prince launches first car from 'Sair'

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund, launched the first model from the national automotive company, CIRC, named “Exobot.” This launch embodies the Kingdom’s strategic direction to develop an advanced industrial sector aligned with the targets of Saudi Vision 2030, and reinforces the Kingdom’s position on the global automotive manufacturing map.

On this occasion, the Saudi Crown Prince stated: “The launch of CIRC’s first car marks another step for the Kingdom in its journey to build a sustainable and thriving industrial ecosystem and empower the automotive manufacturing sector as a fundamental driver of economic growth. This is achieved by attracting investments, enabling national competencies, and strengthening the role of the private sector, positioning the Kingdom as a leading regional and global hub in this sector.”

The “Exobot,” available in sedan and four-wheel-drive variants, is the first product from CIRC within a fleet of seven models to be launched sequentially over the next five years. These models will include medium and small sizes with diverse drivetrain systems to meet the varied needs of customers. All variants will be produced at the CIRC industrial complex within the King Salman Automotive Manufacturing Complex in the King Abdullah Economic City. The facility is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and one of the most advanced automotive manufacturing plants in the world.

The “Exobot” features a unique design inspired by the Kingdom’s land, rooted in its culture, and reflective of its vision. The vehicles were designed and engineered locally to the highest global standards, cementing the Kingdom’s status as an emerging regional force in automotive manufacturing.

The company is expected to contribute more than 30 billion Saudi riyals (8 billion US dollars) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, improve the trade balance by approximately 80 billion Saudi riyals (21 billion US dollars), and create direct and indirect quality jobs by 2034. The announcement of CIRC’s first car aligns with the Public Investment Fund’s efforts to develop a comprehensive and competitive local automotive manufacturing ecosystem, in line with its role as a key driver of economic diversification in the Kingdom. The Fund launched CIRC in 2022 as the first Saudi automotive brand, aiming to support the development of the national industrial ecosystem, attract investments, create opportunities for the private sector, and increase domestic output.