U.S. carmaker Lucid, primarily known for its Air EV featured in our gallery and video here, has shared its future growth plans with the media.
The company plans to build a new factory in Saudi Arabia – its first location outside of the United States. It will also launch a second production car, an SUV, with tests set to take place in the Middle East.
The government of the country states its commitment to the diversification of economy through attracting new foreign investment into high-tech industries. Apparently, Lucid decided to take advantage of this opportunity. The company says talks have already started with the Department of Investment and all major players in this area of the market, including foundations.
Lucid intends to launch a production complex in SA to assemble premium electric vehicles both for domestic sales and exports. The second model – codenamed Project Gravity right now – will most likely also be made there. Technical details remain to be announced, but the automaker mentioned SUVs as the segment it was interested in.
At first, the enterprise will assemble cars from prefabricated parts made in China, gradually proceeding with localization of production. Lucid hopes to begin construction in the second half of 2022 and put together 150,000 vehicles every year. This means up to 500,000 vehicles per year combined with the existing U.S. factory.