NEW YORK, Jan 21, 2026, 21:18 (EST)
- Lucid shares jumped 17.9% after Rockwell broadened its involvement in the EV maker’s Saudi facility
- Rockwell plans to roll out FactoryTalk MES in major production facilities and provide training for on-site personnel
- Options traders ramped up bullish wagers ahead of Lucid’s upcoming earnings report
Lucid Group (LCID.O) shares surged 17.9% Wednesday after Rockwell Automation (ROK.N) announced plans to expand its partnership supporting the EV maker’s growing manufacturing footprint in Saudi Arabia. Rockwell closed the day roughly 4.1% higher. 1
The announcement adds a new data point on Lucid’s efforts to ramp up production beyond the U.S., a critical issue for investors in a sector where factory performance can sharply impact margins. Saudi Arabia has positioned new industrial projects under Vision 2030, its strategy to reduce dependence on oil.
Lucid’s shares saw a jump in speculative trading. A market report pointed to heavy call-option activity ahead of the company’s upcoming earnings. Call options let investors buy shares at a fixed price later, and strong demand tends to push up “implied volatility,” which measures expected price swings in the options market. 2
Rockwell announced that Lucid plans to roll out its FactoryTalk manufacturing execution system, or MES, to oversee production across general assembly, paint, stamping, body, and powertrain. This software monitors and manages factory-floor tasks, offering real-time visibility and traceability. According to Rockwell, the system will also back the production of Lucid’s upcoming midsize vehicles.
“Lucid’s move to adopt FactoryTalk MES is a strategic decision,” said Ahmad Haydar, Rockwell’s country leader in Saudi Arabia. Faisal Sultan, Lucid’s president for the Middle East, added that Rockwell’s “local expertise” will be key as Lucid ramps up production without compromising quality. 3
Rockwell will deliver both instructor-led and virtual training programs in Saudi Arabia, the companies announced, framing the partnership as a blend of software rollout and workforce development. The facility, located in King Abdullah Economic City, is touted by Rockwell as Saudi Arabia’s first vehicle manufacturing site.
Lucid spiked to an intraday peak of $11.64 after kicking off at $9.97, market data shows. Rockwell climbed to nearly $422.
Lucid faces off against Tesla (TSLA.O) and Rivian (RIVN.O) in a packed EV market, where the pressure is on to cut costs and demonstrate scalable production—not just to roll out fresh designs.
Neither company revealed financial details, and launching software doesn’t ensure a swift jump in production. Investors will zero in on timing, output goals, and demand cues — and any option-driven gains could unravel fast if upcoming earnings fall short.
