Saudi Arabia imported 650,000 new passenger cars last year. This article details the market's scale and the multi-billion rival investments shaping its future.
Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia imported 650,000 passenger cars in 2023, valued at SAR 42 billion
- Saudi Arabia automotive FDI commitments reached SAR 15 billion in 2023 for new plants
- In 2023, the total market size of the Saudi automotive industry was valued at SAR 145.2 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2019 to 2023
- Annual vehicle production capacity in Saudi Arabia reached 250,000 units in 2023 at Lucid and Ceer plants
- Total new vehicle sales in Saudi Arabia reached 827,000 units in 2023, up 13.4% YoY
Saudi Arabia’s automotive sector is expanding rapidly, driven by rising demand and growing investments across the industry.
Related reading
01 · Category
Import and Export Data25 stats
01
Saudi Arabia imported 650,000 passenger cars in 2023, valued at SAR 42 billion
02
Automotive parts imports to Saudi Arabia totaled SAR 62.5 billion in 2023, 70% from Asia
03
Vehicle exports from Saudi Arabia reached 15,000 units in 2023, mainly to GCC countries
04
China supplied 28% of Saudi vehicle imports in 2023, 182,000 units
05
Japan exported 210,000 vehicles to Saudi Arabia in 2023, worth SAR 15 billion
06
Used car imports from USA to Saudi hit 45,000 units in 2023
07
Tire imports to Saudi Arabia were 12 million units in 2023, SAR 4.2 billion value
08
Engine imports declined 5% to SAR 8.7 billion in Saudi 2023 due to localization
09
GCC intra-trade in automotive parts reached SAR 3.5 billion for Saudi in 2023
10
South Korea vehicle exports to Saudi 95,000 units in 2023, Hyundai/Kia dominant
11
Saudi re-exports of vehicles to Middle East totaled 8,200 units in 2023, SAR 1.2B
12
Electronics components imports SAR 12.4 billion to Saudi auto sector 2023
13
Body parts imports dropped 12% to SAR 5.6 billion in Saudi 2023
14
EV battery imports to Saudi reached SAR 2.1 billion in 2023, mainly from China
15
Transmission imports valued at SAR 4.8 billion in Saudi Arabia 2023
16
Paint and coatings for autos imported SAR 900 million in Saudi 2023
17
Suspension parts imports SAR 3.2 billion to Saudi in 2023
18
Lighting components imports 2.5 million units worth SAR 1.8B in Saudi 2023
19
Saudi automotive exports to Africa grew 25% to 2,500 units in 2023
20
Interior trim imports SAR 2.7 billion in Saudi Arabia 2023
21
Brake parts imports totaled SAR 2.9 billion for Saudi market 2023
22
Exhaust systems imports SAR 1.5 billion in Saudi 2023
23
Saudi vehicle exports revenue SAR 1.8 billion in 2023
24
Glass imports for vehicles 1.2 million sqm in Saudi 2023, SAR 650M
25
Seats and upholstery imports SAR 1.1 billion to Saudi auto industry 2023
Interpretation
Import and Export Data Interpretation
Saudi Arabia's automotive industry clearly operates on a grand import-export scale, where its substantial imports of complete vehicles and parts—notably from Asia—paint a picture of a thriving consumer market and a nascent manufacturing sector cautiously building its own momentum through localization efforts.
02 · Category
Investments and Future Projections26 stats
01
Saudi Arabia automotive FDI commitments reached SAR 15 billion in 2023 for new plants
02
Public Investment Fund (PIF) invested SAR 6 billion in Lucid Motors Saudi plant by 2023
03
Ceer EV brand secured SAR 4.5 billion funding in 2023 for King Abdullah Economic City plant
04
Hyundai Motor Group pledged SAR 10 billion for Saudi EV production hub by 2030, announced 2023
05
Vision 2030 allocated SAR 20 billion to automotive localization by 2025
06
Foxconn invested SAR 2 billion in Saudi EV manufacturing joint venture 2023
07
BMW signed SAR 3 billion deal for parts manufacturing in Saudi 2023
08
Saudi Aramco Ventures funded SAR 1.2 billion in EV battery tech startups 2023
09
NEOM committed SAR 8 billion to autonomous vehicle ecosystem by 2030
10
Local OEM incentives under NIOP scheme attracted SAR 12 billion investments 2023
11
Toyota announced SAR 2.5 billion expansion of CKD assembly in Saudi 2023
12
Ride-hailing investments like Uber/Lucidity SAR 1.5 billion in EV fleets 2023
13
Green hydrogen for auto production SAR 4 billion projected investment by 2027
14
SASO standards upgrade funded SAR 500 million for testing facilities 2023
15
Private equity in Saudi used car platforms SAR 3.2 billion raised 2023
16
Charging infrastructure investments SAR 7 billion planned 2023-2025
17
ADAS R&D centers funded SAR 900 million in Riyadh 2023
18
Semiconductor fab for autos SAR 5 billion joint venture announced 2023
19
Logistics for auto parts SAR 2.8 billion invested in Dammam ports 2023
20
Automotive cluster in SPARK received SAR 4 billion FDI 2023
21
Insurance tech for autos SAR 1.8 billion venture capital 2023 Saudi
22
Projected automotive market size SAR 250 billion by 2030, CAGR 7.5%
23
EV sales projected 300,000 units annually by 2030 in Saudi Arabia
24
Localization target 60% by 2030, requiring SAR 50 billion capex
25
Annual production capacity to reach 1 million vehicles by 2035
26
Digital twin tech investments SAR 1.1 billion for Saudi auto factories 2023-2025
Interpretation
Investments and Future Projections Interpretation
Saudi Arabia's automotive sector is not merely flirting with the future but has entered into a lavishly funded marriage with it, backed by over SAR 15 billion in 2023 alone, as the kingdom systematically transforms its vast oil wealth into a diversified industrial powerhouse steering towards electric and autonomous mobility.
03 · Category
Market Overview30 stats
01
In 2023, the total market size of the Saudi automotive industry was valued at SAR 145.2 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2019 to 2023
02
Saudi Arabia's automotive sector contributed 4.2% to the national GDP in 2022, up from 3.8% in 2021, driven by rising vehicle demand and localization efforts
03
The passenger car segment accounted for 62% of the total automotive market revenue in Saudi Arabia in 2023, totaling SAR 90.1 billion
04
Electric vehicle (EV) market penetration in Saudi Arabia reached 1.8% of total vehicle sales in 2023, with projections to hit 5% by 2025 under Vision 2030
05
The aftermarket parts sector in Saudi Arabia generated SAR 28.5 billion in revenue in 2022, growing at 9.1% YoY due to high vehicle ownership rates
06
Saudi Arabia's automotive retail market saw a 15.3% increase in outlets from 1,850 in 2021 to 2,134 in 2023
07
Commercial vehicle market in Saudi Arabia was valued at SAR 32.4 billion in 2023, representing 22% of total automotive sales value
08
The luxury car segment in Saudi Arabia grew by 18.2% in 2023, capturing 12% market share with sales of 45,000 units
09
Total automotive industry employment in Saudi Arabia reached 250,000 jobs in 2023, a 22% increase since 2019
10
Saudi automotive market volume hit 850,000 units in 2023, with SUVs dominating at 55% share
11
In 2022, the Saudi automotive financing market disbursed SAR 65 billion in loans, up 14% from 2021
12
Two-wheeler market in Saudi Arabia reached 120,000 units sold in 2023, growing 10.5% YoY
13
Automotive e-commerce sales in Saudi Arabia surged to SAR 12.3 billion in 2023, a 28% YoY growth
14
The Saudi used car market volume was 450,000 transactions in 2023, valued at SAR 40 billion
15
Automotive R&D spending in Saudi Arabia totaled SAR 2.1 billion in 2023, focused on localization
16
Saudi Arabia's automotive carbon emissions from vehicles totaled 45 million tons CO2 in 2022
17
The number of automotive dealerships in Saudi Arabia increased to 450 in 2023 from 410 in 2022
18
Saudi automotive market forecast to reach SAR 200 billion by 2028, CAGR 6.8%
19
Passenger car ownership rate in Saudi Arabia was 220 vehicles per 1,000 people in 2023
20
Heavy-duty truck segment valued at SAR 15.2 billion in Saudi Arabia in 2023
21
Saudi automotive insurance premiums reached SAR 18.7 billion in 2023, up 11% YoY
22
The share of Chinese brands in Saudi automotive market rose to 25% in 2023 from 18% in 2021
23
Saudi Arabia imported automotive components worth SAR 55.3 billion in 2023
24
Total vehicle parc in Saudi Arabia reached 12.5 million units in 2023
25
Automotive service centers in Saudi Arabia numbered 5,200 in 2023, growing 8% YoY
26
Saudi luxury SUV sales hit 28,000 units in 2023, 20% market growth
27
The electric scooter market in Saudi Arabia sold 15,000 units in 2023
28
Saudi automotive digital sales platforms reached 15 million users in 2023
29
Overall automotive market CAGR projected at 7.2% from 2024-2030 in Saudi Arabia
30
Saudi Arabia's automotive sector FDI inflows were SAR 10.5 billion in 2023
Interpretation
Market Overview Interpretation
While Saudi Arabia's automotive industry roars ahead with SUV-laden gusto and burgeoning luxury aspirations, it's clear the kingdom is driving towards its Vision 2030 with one foot firmly on the gas of a SAR 145.2 billion economy, yet still cautiously testing the electric accelerator.
More related reading
04 · Category
Production Statistics30 stats
01
Annual vehicle production capacity in Saudi Arabia reached 250,000 units in 2023 at Lucid and Ceer plants
02
Local content in Saudi automotive manufacturing hit 40% in 2023, up from 25% in 2020, per SASO standards
03
Isuzu Motors plant in Saudi Arabia produced 12,000 pickup trucks in 2023
04
Human Machine Interface (HMI) components production in Saudi reached 150,000 units in 2023 by local firms
05
Ceer Motors commenced production of 10,000 EV chassis in Q4 2023
06
Saudi assembly plants output totaled 180,000 vehicles in 2023, including CKD kits
07
Battery manufacturing for EVs in Saudi Arabia produced 50,000 kWh capacity packs in 2023 pilot phase
08
Localization rate for engine components in Saudi reached 35% in 2023 across major OEMs
09
Annual tire production in Saudi Arabia hit 8 million units in 2023 from new facilities
10
Lucid Air EV production in Jeddah reached 5,000 units in 2023 first year
11
Plastic parts for automotive interiors produced 2.5 million units locally in Saudi 2023
12
Wiring harness production in Saudi Arabia totaled 1.2 million sets in 2023
13
Sheet metal stamping output for vehicle bodies was 100,000 tons in Saudi 2023
14
EV charging station manufacturing produced 20,000 units in Saudi Arabia in 2023
15
Brake system components locally made 300,000 assemblies in Saudi 2023
16
Seat manufacturing output reached 120,000 units in Saudi automotive plants 2023
17
Aluminum die-casting for chassis produced 45,000 parts in Saudi 2023
18
Glass production for windshields totaled 1.8 million units locally in 2023 Saudi
19
Exhaust system fabrication output was 90,000 units in Saudi Arabia 2023
20
Infotainment system assembly reached 80,000 units in local Saudi facilities 2023
21
Fuel tank production hit 200,000 units in Saudi 2023 from plastic molding
22
Suspension component manufacturing output 250,000 sets in Saudi Arabia 2023
23
Radiator and cooling system production totaled 150,000 units locally 2023
24
Door panel assembly produced 400,000 units in Saudi automotive sector 2023
25
Headlamp manufacturing output was 1.1 million units in Saudi 2023
26
Steering wheel production reached 110,000 units locally in Saudi Arabia 2023
27
Airbag module assembly totaled 500,000 units in Saudi facilities 2023
28
Dashboard production output 95,000 units in Saudi 2023 automotive plants
29
Wheel rim manufacturing hit 2 million units locally in Saudi Arabia 2023
30
Sensor production for ADAS reached 3 million units in Saudi 2023
Interpretation
Production Statistics Interpretation
While Saudi Arabia's automotive industry is still assembling its identity from a kit, its rapid shift from merely bolting cars together to manufacturing nearly half of their parts—from airbags to zinc die-casts—proves it’s no longer just along for the ride but is seriously building the vehicle of its own future.
05 · Category
Sales and Vehicle Registration27 stats
01
Total new vehicle sales in Saudi Arabia reached 827,000 units in 2023, up 13.4% YoY
02
Toyota sold 210,000 vehicles in Saudi Arabia in 2023, holding 25.4% market share
03
SUV sales dominated with 452,000 units in Saudi Arabia 2023, 54.7% of total sales
04
New light commercial vehicle registrations grew 24% to 112,000 units in Saudi 2023
05
Hyundai sales reached 112,000 units in Saudi Arabia 2023, 13.5% market share
06
Nissan achieved 85,000 vehicle sales in Saudi market 2023, up 10% YoY
07
Kia sold 72,000 units in Saudi Arabia 2023, focusing on SUVs like Sportage
08
Ford sales hit 45,000 units in Saudi 2023, led by Ranger pickup at 18,000 units
09
MG (Chinese brand) sales surged to 38,000 units in Saudi Arabia 2023, 4.6% share
10
Chevrolet sold 32,000 vehicles in Saudi 2023, with Captiva SUV at top
11
Used vehicle sales transactions totaled 1.2 million in Saudi Arabia 2023
12
Electric vehicle sales in Saudi reached 14,500 units in 2023, led by Tesla Model Y
13
Pickup truck sales were 98,000 units in Saudi 2023, Toyota Hilux leading with 35,000
14
Sedan sales declined to 210,000 units in Saudi Arabia 2023, 25% of market
15
Geely sales reached 25,000 units in Saudi 2023, Coolray model top seller
16
Mitsubishi sales 22,000 units in Saudi Arabia 2023, Pajero Sport popular
17
Total heavy truck registrations 18,500 units in Saudi 2023, up 15%
18
Bus sales totaled 4,200 units in Saudi Arabia 2023
19
Porsche sales hit 2,800 units in Saudi luxury segment 2023
20
BMW Group sold 18,500 vehicles in Saudi 2023, X3 SUV leading
21
Mercedes-Benz sales 17,200 units in Saudi Arabia 2023, GLE top model
22
Lexus achieved 12,000 sales in Saudi 2023, NX SUV bestseller
23
January 2024 sales reached 70,000 units in Saudi, up 10% YoY
24
Riyadh region accounted for 45% of total Saudi vehicle sales in 2023
25
Online vehicle sales grew to 15% of total transactions in Saudi 2023
26
Fleet sales to government and corporates were 120,000 units in Saudi 2023
27
Total new registrations 850,000 vehicles in Saudi Arabia 2023
Interpretation
Sales and Vehicle Registration Interpretation
The Saudi automotive market is a roaring, SUV-crazy desert dominated by Toyota, where electric whispers are just beginning to be heard over the rumble of Hilux pickups and a booming pre-owned bazaar.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Elena Vasquez. (2026, February 13). Saudi Automotive Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/saudi-automotive-industry-statistics
MLA
Elena Vasquez. "Saudi Automotive Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/saudi-automotive-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Elena Vasquez. 2026. "Saudi Automotive Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/saudi-automotive-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
ev-sales.blogspot.com