Lucid Motors opens factory in Saudi Arabia and second store in Düsseldorf

Saudi Arabia has not yet been known for large-scale car production. That is currently changing: Shortly after receiving the operating license, Lucid Motors has started assembling the Air. They begin with SKD vehicle kits pre-fabricated at the US plant in Casa Grande (Arizona). In the SKD (Semi-knocked-down) process, the car is partially disassembled or not fully assembled before transport and then shipped. This usually bypasses customs duties, as the car is generally considered “built” in the country where it is finally assembled. However, Lucid is starting with final assembly in the new plant: later, a complete assembly line including bodywork and painting will follow to eventually manufacture the planned mid-range model in Saudi Arabia.

The factory operates under the acronym AMP-2, which stands for “second Advanced Manufacturing Plant” (AMP-2). AMP-1 is the main plant in Casa Grande. Lucid is proceeding cautiously: the annual capacity of the SKD assembly initially starts at 5,000 vehicles. By the mid-2020s, the capacity is expected to rise to 155,000 vehicles per year. The SUV “Gravity” is scheduled to follow on the Air platform in 2024, and by 2026, a more affordable, higher-volume model is planned.

Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of the Lucid Group, proudly explained:

 “We are excited to make history in Saudi Arabia today by opening the country’s first automotive factory, which will produce our award-winning electric vehicles and support the nation’s vision for a more sustainable and diversified economy.”