Lucid Projects 5.95% Annual Growth for Saudi Electric Vehicle Market

Lucid Studio in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Lucid Studio in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Lucid Projects 5.95% Annual Growth for Saudi Electric Vehicle Market

Lucid Studio in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Lucid Studio in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Marc Winterhoff, Chief Operating Officer at Lucid Motors, has announced plans to build more customer service centers in Saudi Arabia. The company is also expanding its mobile services, equipping Lucid Air vehicles for on-the-go maintenance.

Winterhoff noted that 40% of repairs are done through mobile services, both locally and internationally. He predicted that the local market will grow by 5.95% annually over the next five years.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Winterhoff praised Saudi Arabia’s rapid push for electric vehicles, including its goal for 30% of cars to be electric by 2030 and the expansion of high-speed charging networks.

This commitment highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to electric vehicles.

Winterhoff believes Saudi Arabia is set for more private sector innovations and clean energy investments, making it a key player in sustainable transportation.

He also pointed out the significant opportunities in the Saudi car market, particularly for electric vehicles, supported by Vision 2030 and an expected $50 billion investment, which should drive substantial growth.

Winterhoff highlighted key partnerships with Saudi Arabia, especially with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is the company’s largest investor and supports its global expansion.

According to Winterhoff, Lucid’s partnership with the PIF has been crucial in enabling the motor company to open its first electric vehicle factory in the Kingdom.

Winterhoff also mentioned a partnership with Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIC) to build a high-speed charging network across Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Lucid Motors has signed an agreement with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to work on research for advanced battery technologies using KACST’s facilities and resources.

Winterhoff highlighted Lucid Motors’ plan to build more studios and service centers to get closer to customers.

The company is also launching “mobile services,” where Lucid Air vehicles are converted into mobile service units for maintenance. About 40% of repairs are handled this way, both locally and globally.

To improve home charging for new customers, Lucid is offering a 3,750 riyal ($1,000) subsidy for installing a home charger through approved providers in Saudi Arabia, plus a two-year free maintenance program.

Winterhoff noted that most Lucid vehicles can travel over 700 kilometers on a single charge, which usually lasts about a week, so customers typically need to charge only once a week.



LEAP 2026: Saudi Arabia Leads AI Era with Over $15 Bn in Technology Launches, Investments

LEAP 2026 kicks off in Riyadh on Monday under the theme "Into New Worlds." (SPA)
LEAP 2026 kicks off in Riyadh on Monday under the theme "Into New Worlds." (SPA)
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LEAP 2026: Saudi Arabia Leads AI Era with Over $15 Bn in Technology Launches, Investments

LEAP 2026 kicks off in Riyadh on Monday under the theme "Into New Worlds." (SPA)
LEAP 2026 kicks off in Riyadh on Monday under the theme "Into New Worlds." (SPA)

LEAP 2026, the fifth edition of the world's largest tech event, kicked off in Riyadh on Monday under the theme "Into New Worlds," bringing together leading technology and artificial intelligence (AI) figures, investors, and innovators from around the world.

The conference saw the announcement of major launches, investments, and partnerships worth more than $15 billion in AI and advanced technologies, strengthening Saudi Arabia's leadership in digital infrastructure and advanced computing and reinforcing its position as a global destination for technology investment in the intelligent era.

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha said in his opening speech that the launches and investments were made possible through the support and empowerment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Saudi Arabia is steadily advancing toward leading the AI era in partnership with major companies, innovators, and investors from around the world, he added.

Alswaha stressed that Saudi Arabia has established a global model for turning technological ambitions and commitments into tangible achievements, underpinned by agility, reliability, and speed of execution.

Technology and national talent, particularly young people, are driving the Kingdom's progress, he went on to say.

The launches and investments are contributing to the development of an integrated AI ecosystem spanning energy, connectivity, semiconductors, data centers, accelerated computing, AI models, cloud services, and sector-specific applications, supporting the growth of the digital economy and enhancing its global competitiveness.

The conference is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf, a joint venture between SAFCSP, global events company Informa, and the Events Investment Fund.

LEAP 2026 will run until September 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, featuring more than 1,000 speakers, 1,900 investors, 1,800 global technology brands, and 600 startups across 16 stages and more than 20 tracks exploring the future of AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart cities, fintech, healthcare, space, gaming, and mobility.


Saudi-Jordanian Business Council Recommends Boosting Economic Cooperation

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi-Jordanian Business Council Recommends Boosting Economic Cooperation

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

Meetings of the Joint Saudi-Jordanian Business Council were held in Jordan’s capital, Amman, to strengthen bilateral partnerships, promote joint projects, and address obstacles to trade and investment flows, SPA reported.

The council’s sectoral committees recommended a package of practical measures and initiatives to strengthen economic and investment cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and facilitate the movement of investors, businesspeople, and goods between the two countries.


Japan Seeks Record $55.6 bln Defense Budget, with AI Focus, Says Ministry

This photo shows an exterior view of the Defense Ministry of Japan with its sign at the main entrance in Tokyo on Sept. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)
This photo shows an exterior view of the Defense Ministry of Japan with its sign at the main entrance in Tokyo on Sept. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)
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Japan Seeks Record $55.6 bln Defense Budget, with AI Focus, Says Ministry

This photo shows an exterior view of the Defense Ministry of Japan with its sign at the main entrance in Tokyo on Sept. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)
This photo shows an exterior view of the Defense Ministry of Japan with its sign at the main entrance in Tokyo on Sept. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)

Japan's defense ministry requested a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) on Monday as Tokyo looks to artificial intelligence to speed up decision-making in the face of a tense security environment.

But the final budget reportedly could reach 10 trillion yen as Tokyo undergoes a sweeping upgrade of its defense in order to navigate growing tension with neighbors such as China, North Korea and Russia.