Advanced mobility company Canoo announced it signed an exclusive agreement with general contracting company GCC Olayan, multi-national subsidiary of Olayan Saudi Holding Company (OSHCO), for the sale, service and distribution of Canoo fleet solutions in Saudi Arabia.

GCC Olayan has been a distributor of premier brands in Saudi Arabia for more than 75 years and is the founding company of the global Olayan Group, Canoo says.

The first phase of the agreement is for the sale, distribution, service maintenance and repair of Canoo vehicles. Additionally, Canoo and GCC Olayan will work to develop a joint venture to launch a digital vehicle ecosystem for service maintenance repair, local assembly and eventually manufacturing, the companies say.

“It has been an honor to work with the Olayan group companies over many years. Our agreement to bring Canoo’s award-winning vehicles to the region is grounded in our mutual commitment to customer service,” said Tony Aquila, Canoo chairman & CEO. “The Olayan Group is a global business leader with decades of experience in distribution partnerships with some of the world’s leading brands and they are a proven partner to support EVs in the region.”

Canoo says its vehicles are built on the company’s proprietary multi-purpose platform (MPP) architecture that integrates all high-tech components such as the motors, battery module and other critical driving components. Engineered with true steer-by-wire technology, Canoo vehicles have reduced moving parts and cabin intrusion, resulting in more usable interior space, better driver ergonomics and the addition of a panoramic window to improve road visibility. The modular design also facilitates the ability to localize the offering and provides for a scalable local manufacturing approach, the company adds.