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.



Saudi Arabia's Date Exports Grow to $200 Million in First Half of 2024

Vendors and buyers are seen at the AlUla Dates Festival. SPA file photo
Vendors and buyers are seen at the AlUla Dates Festival. SPA file photo
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Saudi Arabia's Date Exports Grow to $200 Million in First Half of 2024

Vendors and buyers are seen at the AlUla Dates Festival. SPA file photo
Vendors and buyers are seen at the AlUla Dates Festival. SPA file photo

The National Center for Palms and Dates in Saudi Arabia reported a 9.9% rise in date exports in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The country exported more than SAR751 million worth of dates (200 million dollars) in the first six months of this year.

Exports to Brazil, Norway, Italy, and Canada in the first half of 2024 grew by over 100%. To Germany they registered a 91.5% increase, to South Korea 72%, to Indonesia 50.1%, to Sweden 43.7%, to Malaysia 32.6%, to the UK 29.7%, to Morocco 25.3%, and to the US 21.1%.

The rise in date exports is credited to the unwavering support the Saudi leadership gives to the palm and date sector, and to the impactful efforts of the National Center for Palms and Dates to boost the competitiveness of Saudi dates at global scale.

This success underscores the dedication of date exporters to deliver top-quality products, boost the global presence of Saudi dates, and establish the Kingdom as a frontrunner in date exports.