Lucid Group, the California-based electric vehicle maker, has successfully assembled close to 800 cars at its Saudi Arabian factory since its opening, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The primary focus of Lucid’s operations in Saudi Arabia has been on training over 200 local employees, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in the region. The factory, operational since September, initially has the capacity to produce 5,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually, and the Saudi government has committed to purchasing up to 100,000 vehicles from Lucid over the next decade.
Faisal Sultan, Lucid’s Middle East Managing Director and Global Vice President, explained that the cars are fully built in Arizona, then de-assembled before being shipped to Saudi Arabia as kits. In the Jeddah factory, local workers reassemble the vehicles, conducting necessary tests and quality checks. The approach of gradually training employees in the assembly process aligns with Lucid’s strategy of taking “baby steps” to ensure effective skill development. Looking ahead, Lucid is constructing a complete build unit (CBU) with plans to open in 2026, a facility capable of manufacturing cars entirely. The CBU’s opening depends on supply chains and workforce development, as Lucid aims to make a significant impact on the Saudi electric vehicle industry with the support of the Public Investment Fund, which owns a majority stake in the company.