A Landmark EV Manufacturing Project in Saudi Arabia
In January 2026, Rockwell Automation announced a deepened collaboration with luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid to support its expanding EV manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. Located in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the plant represents a historic milestone as the Kingdom’s first-ever vehicle manufacturing site, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced and sustainable mobility.
Advanced Software Driving Smart Manufacturing
As part of the partnership, Rockwell Automation will deploy its enterprise-level digital manufacturing solutions across Lucid’s Advanced Manufacturing Plant (AMP-2). Central to this deployment is the FactoryTalk® Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which will manage and optimize operations across all major production areas, including stamping, body, paint, powertrain, and general assembly.
The MES platform will deliver real-time visibility, end-to-end traceability, and precise operational control. These capabilities will allow Lucid to scale production efficiently while maintaining strict quality standards, especially as the company prepares to manufacture its future midsize electric vehicles.
Scaling Production with Quality and Control
Lucid’s KAEC facility is transitioning from semi-knockdown assembly—where vehicle kits are reassembled from its Arizona plant—to full complete build unit (CBU) production later in 2026. Initially designed for an annual capacity of 5,000 vehicles, the plant has a long-term expansion target of 155,000 vehicles per year. With the support of Rockwell Automation software, Lucid aims to achieve this scale-up while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and global supply chain integration.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
This collaboration strongly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which focus on economic diversification, industrial localization, and sustainability. The Kingdom aims for electric vehicles to account for 30% of new car sales by 2030, and Lucid’s manufacturing presence plays a key role in achieving this target.
Building a Skilled Local Workforce
Beyond technology deployment, Rockwell Automation will support workforce development through instructor-led and virtual training programs. These initiatives are designed to equip Saudi talent with advanced EV manufacturing skills, helping build a highly skilled workforce expected to grow into the thousands and drive long-term industrial growth.
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
Lucid’s leadership has highlighted the value of this long-standing partnership, noting that the combination of advanced software and strong local expertise will help the company expand production in the Middle East while maintaining world-class quality and innovation. Together, the two companies are setting a new benchmark for smart, sustainable EV manufacturing in the region.
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