King Saud University (K.S.U.), is the largest historical institution of higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is included among the top 300 universities in the world.

It confers both short course and complete degrees in scientific and humanistic subjects.

Located in Riyadh, K.S.U has a population of 70,000 students and a faculty of lecturers and researchers of more than 3,000 including a  constant presence of Nobel laureates.

In line with the university policy, and with the will of the rector His Excellence Professor Abdullah Al-Othman and vice rector Professor Ali Saeed Al-Ghamdi, a specific course in VEHICLE ENGINEERING was established in March 2009, dedicated to 55 students, and chaired by Professor Saied Mohamed H. Darwish.

As mentors for the project, K.S.U. commissioned MAGNA STEYR Italy for the engineering and STUDIOTORINO for the design. The brief was to research and create a vehicle with characteristics suitable for the Arabian Gulf region. The lectures were partly held in the Faculty in Riyadh and partly in Turin, with real "on the job training" for K.S.U. students.

The project was named "GAZAL 1" in reference to the Arabian gazelle, wild animals that are among the fastest and most resistant in their habitat. It began in April 2009 and is due to end in the year 2010 with two major milestones along the way. March 2nd 2010 will see the World Première debut of the styling model at the Geneva Motor Show and later this year a full running prototype will be presented at King Saud University in Riyadh.

Every phase of the study program has been simulated as a real business plan. Considering timing, cost of development, and technical approach in all stages, from a market survey through to the layout of a manufacturing plant, and including styling, engineering design, structural calculations, and homologation. The construction of moulds and tools for the development of a fully functional prototype were made.

K.S.U’s ultimate goal is to promote the culture of the automotive industry, to train young engineers who can participate in research and development. Utilising the most advanced automotive design techniques and technologies available at any primary car company in the world. This particular project also provides an opportunity for the exchange of different cultures and experiences in both educational and industrial environments.

The "GAZAL 1" from King Saud University is a SUV that combines a natural ability for extreme off road driving, with comfortable urban and suburban road use. The choice of chassis and mechanics for this educational study project was carefully considered. After a lengthy research and analysis stage, the University Academic Body chose the winning features of the Mercedes G Class. This platform would give the prototype great inherent structural strength and safety as well as high levels of both on and off road performance and comfort.

K.S.U. required students to respect the fundamental package of the original vehicle (such as wheelbase, track, mechanical components and interior specifications) whilst allowing total freedom to re-design the entire bodywork.

An internal K.S.U. marketing study of the environment and population of the Arabian Gulf highlighted the need for a classic design, avoiding fashionable trends in favour of a long lasting look.
Green was also identified as the most suitable colour, giving the vehicle a regional identity.