Latest news with #FaisalSultan
Trade Arabia
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
Lucid, KAUST join hands to advance EV technology leadership
Lucid Group, a maker of advanced electric vehicles, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a leading academic and research institution focused on science and technology innovation with regional and global impact, have announced a strategic partnership designed to shape the future of EV technology. Leveraging the growing resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lucid aims to further advance the company's technology leadership. Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Managing Director for Middle East at Lucid, and Pierre Magistretti, Vice President of Research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) sign the strategic partnership agreement. 'KAUST's world-class research infrastructure and talent has the potential to further boost our technology leadership in many dimensions incl. our ADAS and AD roadmap—bringing cutting-edge innovation from the lab to the road,' said Marc Winterhoff, Interim CEO at Lucid. 'This collaboration also strengthens our global R&D footprint bringing additional resources to bear in our efforts to continue as a leader in EV powertrain, battery systems, advanced materials, and software-defined vehicle platforms. As this partnership demonstrates, we continue to strengthen our collaboration with the Kingdom and are fully committed to working together to help achieve their vision to become a global center for mobility innovation.' As part of this cooperation, Lucid will have access to KAUST's supercomputing capabilities. 'KAUST is proud to partner with Lucid to join our research capabilities with their real-world EV expertise while contributing to the Kingdom's strategic goals,' said Sir Edward Byrne AC, President of KAUST. 'This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to pioneering innovative solutions in electric vehicle technology.' 'Access to high-performance computing at this level is truly transformative,' said Eric Bach, SVP of Product and Chief Engineer at Lucid. 'It dramatically enhances our ability to develop advanced fluids, materials and alloys, simulate real-world physics for crash safety and structural optimization, model fluid dynamics and thermal transfer, analyze electromagnetic flux, and accelerate AI training for digital twin technology, autonomous systems, and large language models. We're deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited about the breakthroughs it will drive across our engineering and AI initiatives.' Joint efforts will also focus on the design and prototyping of next-generation components and systems, integrating disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical engineering. Advancements in materials science will play a pivotal role, with research dedicated to high-performance metallic and polymer-based composites, heat-reflective glass coatings, innovative laminates, and alternative non-conventional materials —each aimed at optimizing vehicle efficiency and durability.
Mid East Info
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
LUCID GRAVITY LINEUP EXPANDS IN SAUDI ARABIA, ORDERS OPEN FOR TOURING MODEL - Middle East Business News and Information
Lucid Gravity Touring: All-wheel drive, 560 horsepower, and over 500 km* of projected range on a single charge Lucid Gravity Touring will start at SAR 362,300 not Including VAT. Available for configuration in Saudi Arabia via company studio and website (LINK) now Riyadh, KSA — Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID), maker of the world's most advanced electric vehicles, announced today that the Lucid Gravity Touring is now available to order in Saudi Arabia at Lucid locations and online via the Lucid Saudi Arabia website. Customers can place an order with a fully refundable deposit of SAR 10,000, securing their Lucid Gravity Touring ahead of deliveries. The deposit is required at the time of ordering, ensuring priority placement in the reservation queue. Deliveries will begin in the upcoming months. Gravity Touring delivers an exceptional combination of sophistication, versatility, interior space, and range, making it the perfect choice for discerning customers across the Kingdom, who can now select vehicle configurations. 'Building on the excitement around the Gravity Grand Touring, we are proud to expand our lineup in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the introduction of the LUCID Gravity Touring,' said Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Managing Director Middle East at Lucid. 'This launch marks an important step in diversifying our offerings to meet the varying needs of our customers, delivering a world-class electric SUV that balances luxury, performance, and efficiency. With the Gravity Touring, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that more drivers can experience the groundbreaking technology and design that define Lucid Motors.' Lucid Gravity is a groundbreaking new class of SUV, conceived from the ground up without compromise. Enabled by Lucid's revolutionary technology, Lucid Gravity provides the interior space and practicality of a full-size SUV within the exterior footprint of a mid-size SUV. Lucid Gravity Variants & Options: The full Lucid Gravity product line now includes Lucid Gravity Touring, starting at SAR 362,300 not Including VAT, equipped with dual electric motors delivering 560 horsepower and over 500 kilometers of projected range on a single charge. Gravity Touring joins Gravity Grand Touring, which features dual electric motors delivering 828 horsepower and over 700 kilometers of range on a single charge. Both Gravity Touring and Gravity Grand Touring can be configured in six exterior colors, including the launch color Aurora Green Metallic, and with a variety of wheel designs and sizes ranging from 20 front / 21 inches to 22 front / 23 inches. The standard Stealth Appearance features dark polished and painted finishes on exterior surfaces and trim. For those who prefer brighter trim, the optional Platinum Appearance applies a silver luster to exterior accents and trim. Lucid Gravity is also offered with five interior themes, each of which incorporates sustainable and premium materials to evoke a different part of the world-renowned state of California's iconic landscape. The Mojave theme, available in standard PurLuxe and premium PurLuxe versions, evokes the Mojave Desert with bio-PVC upholstery and black ash or walnut wood trim. The Yosemite PurLuxe Premium captures the spirit of Yosemite National Park with light, earth-toned upholstery and black and walnut wood accents. The Tahoe and Ojai themes, both featuring Nappa leather and premium natural grain leather on heated and ventilated 18-way power front seats with massage, draw inspiration from Lake Tahoe and the Ojai Valley, respectively. Tahoe incorporates walnut burl wood and eco-friendly suede-like accents, while Ojai features deep terracotta leather tones, carbon oak wood, and similar suede-like details. All themes emphasize luxurious comfort and environmental consciousness. Lucid Gravity comes standard with two rows of seats for up to five occupants. An optional three-row version seats up to seven adults with ample space still available for cargo. Wheels and Tires: Staggered 20' front / 21' rear Voyager design, Onyx Grey, all-season tires Staggered 21' front / 22' rear Orion design, all-season tires (optional) Staggered 22' front / 23' rear Aether design, high-performance summer tires (optional) Specifications: PROJECTED RANGE Projected over 500 km per charge (Official WLTP estimates to be provided when available). PERFORMANCE: 0-100 km/h: 4.1 secs SEATING: up to Five or seven seats (depending on configuration) Customers interested in securing their Lucid Gravity Touring can place an order today with a SAR 10,000 deposit, ensuring priority access to Lucid's revolutionary electric SUV. About Lucid Group: Lucid (NASDAQ: LCID) is a Silicon Valley-based technology company focused on creating the most advanced EVs in the world. The award-winning Lucid Air and new Lucid Gravity deliver best-in-class performance, sophisticated design, expansive interior space and unrivaled energy efficiency. Lucid assembles both vehicles in its state-of-the-art, vertically integrated factory in Arizona. Through its industry-leading technology and innovations, Lucid is advancing the state-of-the-art of EV technology for the benefit of all. Trademarks: This communication contains trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Lucid Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries and other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Forward Looking Statements: This communication includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as 'estimate,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'forecast,' 'intend,' 'will,' 'shall,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'seek,' 'target,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'may,' 'might,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict' or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the plans and expectations with respect to the Memorandum of Understanding between Lucid and EVIQ, potential benefits of the partnership, and the promise of Lucid's technology. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of Lucid's management. These forward-looking statements are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and may differ from these forward-looking statements. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Lucid. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those factors discussed under the heading 'Risk Factors' in Part I, Item 1A of Lucid's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as other documents Lucid has filed or will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or Lucid's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Lucid currently does not know or that Lucid currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Lucid's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Lucid anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Lucid's assessments to change. However, while Lucid may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Lucid specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Lucid's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
Argaam
18-03-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Lucid aims to export 92% of Saudi plant's production: Exec
Faisal Sultan, Vice President, Managing Director of Lucid Middle East, said the company aims to export approximately 92% of its Saudi plant's production, while allocating 13% to GCC countries.
Arab News
16-03-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Frankly Speaking: Assessing Lucid and the Kingdom's EV ambitions
RIYADH: Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, is confident about the company's trajectory and its growing presence in Saudi Arabia — a nation eager to establish itself as a key player in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. Lucid Motors has had a transformative year despite a leadership change following Peter Rawlinson's departure as CEO after 12 years in the post. Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program 'Frankly Speaking,' Sultan said the firm has been left on a strong footing. 'What Lucid is today is because of him,' Sultan told 'Frankly Speaking' host Katie Jensen. 'The company is in a growth stage and therefore Peter decided to hand it over to the team that he has established to take it forward.' Lucid, a pioneering EV manufacturer headquartered in the US, has set ambitious goals for its expansion in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a significant stake in the company, Lucid is spearheading the development of the Kingdom's first EV manufacturing facility. The firm's assembly plant in Jeddah's King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational. Construction is underway for a full-scale factory, expected to be completed by the end of 2026. 'I'm very proud of the team, what we've been able to accomplish in Saudi Arabia — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,' said Sultan. 'We are definitely going to move and expand on that. We're building a complete build unit factory now after the semi-knocked-down assembly factory, and that is currently under construction. It's on time and it's going to be completed, as previously stated, by the end of next year. 'It will have a capacity of 150,000 and we'll start producing some cars in early 2027 from there for global consumption.' Lucid Motors has joined the 'Made in Saudi' program, becoming the first global automotive company to do so, allowing it to use the 'Saudi Made' logo on its products, signifying quality and national pride, and reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a leader in innovative manufacturing. 'The 'Made in Saudi' badge is a very prestigious thing,' said Sultan. 'And it's a really emotional thing for our teammates out of Saudi Arabia because they feel very proud to be a part of history and to be the first automotive manufacturer that can say that we have a Saudi-made vehicle, which is now being exported to other countries. 'Even the public has perceived it as a medal.' Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy places great emphasis on sustainability and clean energy, with the aim of electrifying 30 percent of vehicles on its roads by the end of the decade. Sultan believes this goal is attainable, given the steady increase in EV adoption and the government's strong policy support. 'Our estimates are, basically, about 6 to 7 percent of vehicles that are being sold in the country are already electric vehicles,' he said. 'But I think that's going to grow to 30 percent because of initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative that really puts in the drive, the motivation, the policies, all of them coming together.' More can be done, however, to boost the uptake of EVs. 'One of the biggest challenges when you talk about EV adoption is the infrastructure,' said Sultan. 'And if the infrastructure is not there, it's not going to happen. So we're working with many companies, many partnerships that Lucid has. We're working with the government entities to make sure that the chargers are there.' Lucid's vehicles are often compared to other luxury EVs, particularly Elon Musk's Tesla range. However, Sultan is keen to clarify that Lucid is operating in a different league. 'We don't really consider Tesla as our main competitor,' he said. 'Because if you look at a Lucid's interior, and you look at the offerings that we have, how luxurious the car is, Tesla doesn't produce a car like that. 'They do have a technological electric vehicle but that is really not the segment. Now people do take that misconception and try to compare it. But it's an upgrade for a Model S person to come into a Lucid Air. They're upgrading.' Sultan says he is not concerned about Tesla entering the Saudi market, pointing to the healthy competition that already exists between other EV brands. 'There's the Chinese brand BYD. More competition is better because it gives the consumer the difference. And I think we need to just continue to have our powertrain capabilities that are much higher. For example, our motors give you per kilogram more horsepower.' Saudi Arabia is also launching its first ever domestic EV brand, Ceer, raising further questions about potential competition for Lucid within the Kingdom. However, Sultan sees Ceer as a complementary force rather than a rival. 'Saudi Arabia has been trying to do this for a while,' he said. 'Lucid gave it the opportunity to ignite that spark. And now that we've done so, we have Ceer, our sister electric vehicle company that is now owned by Saudi Arabia itself, its first national brand. And we have Hyundai, which has also signed a deal with them. 'The three companies — the two companies EV, one company mixed — I think that will give them 500,000 production units by 2030, around that time frame, and a capacity at least. And I think that will get the supply chain coming in, it will get the whole ecosystem developed and then from there on they can build on it.' There are, however, several barriers to the wider adoption of EVs in Saudi Arabia, including the hefty price tag attached to many vehicles currently on the market, the limited number of charging stations, and the lag in changing public attitudes. 'A lot of it is actually just the change itself, because a lot of people are really worried,' said Sultan. 'They're used to doing things a certain way. You have a car, you go to the gas station, you fill your gas anywhere. For them, it is an adopted way of living. And I think that's one of the things, we have to inform the consumer how easy it is.' Sultan stresses that home charging solutions will be key in easing the transition to EVs. 'I think the focus should be at-home charging and it should not be on public charging. If people are thinking that they're going to be charging all the time on public charging, I think that's really the wrong way to think about charging. It should be on your home base.' Another lag on the expansion of the EV industry as a whole is the availability of the rare earth minerals needed to make batteries. Although Lucid already has a reliable supply chain for its batteries, Saudi Arabia's mineral riches — particularly lithium — have not escaped its notice. 'Our suppliers really need those materials,' said Sultan. 'We typically don't buy them directly in raw form. But yes, we're keeping an eye on that and we're very lucky because Saudi Arabia is also, under Vision 2030, looking at the mining and minerals sector.' The company is also open to the idea of sourcing its EV batteries from a Saudi partner in future, but Sultan expects such collaborations to involve established global players. 'We're open to all these partnerships,' he said. 'Currently we buy from LG Chem, Samsung, and Panasonic. Samsung and Panasonic are the two biggest suppliers for our batteries right now.' Lucid is also working on battery recycling solutions, with discussions underway to establish a recycling facility in Saudi Arabia. 'Some studies have shown that 95 percent of these batteries now can be recycled,' he said. 'The cost to recycle needs to come down, and it is (coming down). If you go back five, six years ago, it was a tremendous effort to get these things recycled. But we are getting a lot of development happening, a lot more companies jumping into this.' Looking ahead to the future, Lucid has seen strong demand for its vehicles in the Gulf Cooperation Council area and intends to expand its presence across these key markets. 'The current focus is really within the GCC area,' said Sultan. 'That's where we want to focus on because the market for a luxury four-door sedan and a luxury full-size SUV is the strongest in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar.' He added: 'In Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is our biggest market. And we want to have a couple more locations in Riyadh. In the Eastern Province, in the Dammam, Al-Khobar area, we don't have a presence. We're definitely going to have a presence there.' With Saudi Arabia's growing commitment to the EV sector, Lucid Motors appears well-positioned to play a central role in shaping the Kingdom's automotive future. And with state investment and environmental policies taking priority, public uptake of EVs is expected to boom.
Leaders
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
Lucid to Al-Eqtisadiah: Expanding Fast Charging for EVs in Saudi Arabia
Lucid Motors, in collaboration with the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company, is working on developing a fast and public charging network to facilitate the wider adoption of electric vehicles, according to Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Regional General Manager of the company in the Middle East, according to Al-Eqtisadiah . Gravity The company has entered a new phase of expansion in the Saudi market with the launch of its luxury electric vehicle, 'Gravity,' as part of plans to strengthen its local presence by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and expanding its network of showrooms and service centers in Saudi Arabia and the region. Sultan clarified that the company continues to implement its growth strategy in Saudi Arabia, where it currently operates 39 global showrooms, including locations in Riyadh and Dubai, with future plans to open more. The company is actively supporting local initiatives in employment and training in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the Human Resources Development Fund, aiming to develop local talent in the electric vehicle sector. Sultan also confirmed that the new 'Gravity' model is available for order in Saudi Arabia and customers are able to reserve it through authorized Lucid showrooms or online. He noted that the Grand Touring model is available at a starting price of 487,715 riyals, while orders for the Touring model will open in the coming weeks. Economic City He explained that the AMP-2 facility in King Abdullah Economic City represents Lucid's first international production plant, a strategic investment supported by the Public Investment Fund. He emphasized that the factory plays a key role in supporting the electric vehicle sector in Saudi Arabia and enhancing the local supply chain. The Saudi market is one of the key markets for electric vehicles, given the Kingdom's focus on sustainability in line with Vision 2030. This segment of vehicles is witnessing increasing consumer demand. Additionally, Lucid supports the 'Saudi Green Initiative,' which aims to raise the share of electric vehicles to 30% of total new car sales in Riyadh by 2030. Electric Vehicles Sultan affirmed that developing the infrastructure for electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia requires joint cooperation with key institutions, such as the Public Investment Fund, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in addition to the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company. These partnerships aim to advance battery technology, adapt electric vehicles to local climatic conditions, and expand the fast-charging network. As part of enhancing the customer experience, Lucid is offering financial support of 3,750 riyals for the installation of a home charging accessory by an approved provider. This initiative also facilitates the transition to electric vehicles and boosts user confidence in this technology. The company's President and Regional Managing Director for the Middle East emphasized Lucid's commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle sector. He highlighted the company's advancements in powertrain and battery technologies, which have contributed to reducing vehicle weight and charging time. He also noted that the Lucid Air, launched in 2021, holds the longest driving range of any electric vehicle on the market, helping to alleviate 'range anxiety.' Moreover, he added that Lucid is focused on improving energy efficiency per kilometer, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint for its vehicles and promoting sustainability, particularly in the hot climate conditions of the Middle East. Related Topics : Lucid Motors Electrifies the Middle East with New Riyadh HQ Saudi 'Ma'aden' Signs Agreement with Luxury Electric Vehicle Manufacturer 'Lucid Motors' EV Auto Show 2024 Exhibits Remarkable Success in Electric Cars Sector NEOM Ignites AI Revolution with $5 Billion Oxagon Data Center Short link : Post Views: 34
