Rivian confirms new models, overseas expansion
It hasn’t got an EV on-sale in the USA yet, but Rivian is already making plans for new vehicles and expansion into international markets.
Speaking to Reuters, Rivian founder RJ Scaringe said the company aimed to deliver vehicles designed for Europe and China and eventually build them overseas.
“We wouldn’t be serious about building a car company if we weren’t thinking about China and Europe as important markets long term,” he said.
Rivian currently has one factory, a former Mitsubishi plant in Normal Illinois, from where its first three battery electric models will emerge in 2021 for North American consumption.
They are the R1T pull-size pick-up truck, R1S SUV and a delivery van for Amazon.
The e-commerce company is also a major investor in Rivian along with Ford Motor Company.
Founded in 2009, Rivian also has major backing from Soros Fund Management and a Saudi auto distributor.
Rivian does have plans to sell the R1T and R1S in Europe in 2022 and in China soon after – it’s also previously stated plans to sell in Australia.
But Scaringe acknowledged other smaller models specifically targeted at those markets will be required to drive volume beyond North America.
“What will really drive volume in those markets is the follow-on products,” he told Reuters.
“To really scale in those markets as we bring on follow-on products, having a production footprint outside the U.S. is going to be important,” he said. “That’s a ways off.”
The new models are expected to share key componentry with Rivian’s launch line-up.
The R1T will go on-sale in July 2021 with a Launch edition price of US$ 75,000 ($102.000), the R1S Launch edition follows in August at US$77,500 ($106,000). Both have a 480km driving range.
They will be joined in the US market by a phalanx of electrified pick-ups and SUVs including the Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer.
Rivian will deliver 100,000 vans to Amazon between late 2021 and 2024, something that will give the fledgling brand a strong revenue stream early in its life.
