Saudi Arabia wants to become a force in electric-vehicle manufacturing
Its ambitions may yet meet a number of obstacles
When saudi arabia’s autocratic crown prince, Muhammad bin Salman (known as mbs), last year launched Ceer, the kingdom’s first electric-vehicle (ev) brand, his ambition was clear. His country was not just building a new automotive company, he gushed, it was “igniting a new industry”. Saudi Arabia is powering up its efforts to become a force in manufacturing EVs. If this project is a success, it could mark a significant step towards diversifying its economy away from oil. But big potholes remain.
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This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Powering up”
From the September 30th 2023 edition
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