Join us for a discussion on the emerging Saudi automotive manufacturing sector with key Saudi public sector stakeholders as well as U.S. private sector players that have already made a move into the market.

This is a unique opportunity to:

1. Learn about the Saudi Government commitment to develop the sector, key current programs and incentive packages to attract OEMs, Tier 1, and Tier 2 through 2027, and plans through 2030.
2. Find out details of investment criteria and mandates of key government agencies and Public Investment Fund (PIF) portfolio companies to help develop the automotive ecosystem.
3. Interact with key U.S. and Saudi OEMs and suppliers that have already begun operations in the Kingdom.
4. Ask questions on business opportunities for your product/service in the Kingdom and how to take advantage of them.

Confirmed Speakers and Agenda:

1. Ahmed Al-Malki, Project Manager, Ministry of Investment: Saudi Investment Environment and Supporting Enablers
2. Aftab Ahmed, Chief Automotive Advisor, National Industrial Development Center (NIDC): Saudi Mobility Industry Trends and Opportunities
3. James DeLuca, CEO, Ceer (PIF portfolio company): Project and Opportunities in KSA
4. Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Managing Director, Middle East, Lucid Motors (PIF portfolio company): Project and Opportunities in KSA
5. Jason Murar, President/CEO, JVIS: Journey and KSA Opportunity
6. Joseph Kirikian, Chief Investment Officer, TASARU Mobility Investments (PIF portfolio company): Role of Tasaru/PIF in Saudi Automotive Projects
7. Dr. Shah Firoozi, CEO, PAC Group: Experience and Perspectives on Opportunities in the Saudi Automotive Industry
8. Ana Carmen Neboisa, Vice President, U.S.-Saudi Business Council (facilitator)



Market Opportunity:

Saudi Arabia is located at the convergence of three continents, with over 40 fast-growing markets within four hours' reach, 40 percent of the world's GDP within six hours, and over half of the world's population within seven hours. It is the largest new automotive sales market in the region, accounting for a 42 percent share in the MENA and sales forecast of 779,000 vehicles by 2032. The Saudi market is dominated by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese brands with more than 50 percent of the sales. Approximately 160 local plants currently produce a range of parts and car accessories.

The Saudi government aims for Saudi Arabia to become a dynamic automotive hub with globally competitive segments in terms of the latest technologies and diverse supplier ecosystem. The private sector is viewed as the main driving force for the localization and development. To engage the local and international private sector, it is rolling out programs and incentive packages to attract OEMs to grow its manufacturing sector, localize content, and develop a strong auto supply chain ecosystem. KSA aims to achieve 30 percent full electric of all new vehicles by 2030 in Riyadh and net zero emissions by 2060.

A number of projects are in the execution phase to establish sites to assembly light EVs and ICE-based passenger vehicles and also for Tier 1 suppliers for strategic parts. For example, Lucid Motors opened its first manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia in September 2023, targeting a peak production of up to 155,000 cars/year. CEER, a joint venture between the PIF and Foxconn, the first Saudi automotive brand, will design, manufacture, and sell innovative EV models that will lead in terms of e-mobility, connectivity and autonomous drive technologies. Hyundai Motors has also announced plans to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia. SNAM, a local Saudi company will produce Korean ICE-based vehicles. Pirelli partnered with the PIF in 2023 to launch a $500 million tire manufacturing plant in KSA. Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, ISUZU, and MAN are currently producing in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, a special economic zone that includes an automotive cluster, among others.

The National Industrial Development Center (NIDC) serves as the gateway or industrial investors, streamlining collaboration among all essential stakeholders. More information on the sector is available at https://www.ic.gov.sa/industries-automotive/​

Targets:

Over 35 business and investment opportunities have been identified, targeting local and export markets, including automotive aftermarket parts.

We invite U.S. suppliers of the following products and services to join the webinar:

1. Glass: laminated and tempered
2. Tires
3. Aluminum wheels
4. Casting aluminum parts
5. Carpet
6. Headliners
7. Parts for automotive HVAC, car seats/windows
8. Instrument panels
9. Bumpers
10. Clips and retainers
11. Interior lighting
12. Speakers
13. Stamping
14. Suspension components
15. Wire and cable harnesses
16. Interior soft trim (components comprising different fabrics, leathers, plastic composites, and other trims used on seats, door panels, etc.)
17. Weather strip and Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) parts

About the U.S.-Saudi Business Council

The U.S.-Saudi Business Council is a membership-based nonprofit organization that has been promoting trade and investment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia for 30 years. We provide quality one-on-one business advice and support to U.S. and Saudi companies with potential and commitment to develop and maintain new business relationships. For more information, please visit www.ussaudi.org.

Point of Contact

Jamil Alothman

Vice President, Industrial Development

Email: jalothman@ussaudi.org