The Exobots are the new electric cars unveiled by Saudi Arabia-based startup Ceer , and they’ve already caused a global sensation with their futuristic design. Ceer has unveiled two models — a sedan and an SUV — with plans for five more models by 2030. It’s an impressive move from a country that’s globally associated with oil, not electric mobility.
Saudi Arabia is known primarily for its global dominance in oil production and its vast reserves. The automotive industry — and especially the production of electric vehicles — has never been part of its national identity. That is why the presentation of Exobots pleasantly surprised the industry, sending a strong message: the kingdom wants to diversify its economy and gain a presence in the electric vehicle industry.
The two Exobot models are expected to be launched in Saudi Arabia from 2027. Their design is reminiscent of science fiction films such as Tron and Blade Runner , with hyper-angular lines, a spaceship aesthetic and gullwing doors reminiscent of the Tesla Model X. Their appearance is so extreme that it makes Tesla 's Cybertruck look conventional.
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Exobot Sedan and SUV: The design that shocks
The Exobot sedan features supercar proportions with a low center of gravity and a steeply raked windshield that seamlessly merges with the hood. The front end features an ultra-thin, full-width LED beneath a sharp, protruding nose, giving it an aggressive, “visor-like” expression. The two-tone bodywork and large windshield immediately recall the Ferrari Luce, the electric supercar launched this year.
The Exobot SUV, on the other hand, has a square, “military-meets-cyberpunk” stance with high ground clearance and sharp corners. The entire design looks heavy and armored, with a flat roof. Both vehicles were designed by Rob Melville, former McLaren. However, according to The Verge, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had the final say on the design — which perhaps explains the extreme aesthetic choice.
The philosophy behind this look is clear: in an economy based on attention, Exobots are designed to turn heads. And they absolutely do — even if technical specifications like range, motor power, or charging times have not yet been announced.
Ceer and Exobot: The consortium that changes the data
Ceer is a joint venture between the PIF (Public Investment Fund), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund , and Foxconn , the Taiwanese company best known for manufacturing the iPhone for Apple . Foxconn's involvement is no coincidence: the company has invested heavily in the automotive industry in recent years, looking to leverage its expertise in mass-producing electronic devices to build electric vehicles.
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To run the company, Ceer has looked outside its borders. Jim DeLuca, who spent 37 years at General Motors , rising to the position of executive vice president of international manufacturing, has taken over as CEO. The choice of an automotive veteran with such extensive experience shows that Ceer is not playing around — it wants to build a serious, sustainable automaker from the ground up.
Exobot and the global electric vehicle market
Ceer hopes to capitalize on the turmoil in the global auto market, which is largely due to the flood of Chinese electric vehicles in Asia, Europe and South America. Companies such as BYD, NIO and SAIC have emerged as global players, offering competitive electric vehicles at lower prices than their Western rivals.
The US, on the other hand, appears to be moving in the opposite direction, embracing internal combustion engines and imposing high tariffs to keep out Chinese electric vehicles. This creates a gap in the market that new players like Ceer can exploit, especially in emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.
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Saudi Arabia also has the advantage of its geographical location: it is at the crossroads of three continents, with access to rapidly growing markets. If Ceer can build reliable, competitive electric vehicles, it will have a huge opportunity. The Exobots, with their striking design, are already a powerful marketing tool that has attracted attention worldwide.
