About Rivian's R1T build-to-order production strategy.

[jjswan33]

The word seems to be that Rivian is not going to mass produce new R1Ts, only build to orders with a non-refundable deposit. $1000 for a DM and $3000 for a TM.

Quad motor seems to be the only one you can reserve with a refundable deposit.

While not great for availability of R1Ts definitely a smart play by Rivian. The consequences as I see it:

- No big end of quarter discounts for R1Ts going forward
- Few orphans ending up in the shop
- End of quarter pushes will likely end with R1S discounts down the road to meet goals
- R1Ts may hold their resale better with the reduced instant inventory

The first is why I ordered a TM today for what looks like first run for R1T TM in Oct-Nov time frame.

What to people think about Rivian's strategy here?

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[wjhdrew]

Sounds logical to me. The demand for the trucks simply just doesn't seem to compare to the more 'practical' R1S for many households. I would love the R1T one day, but for now, I have an R1S =D

Less stock sitting on proverbial shelves is a good thing.

 

[Dark-Fx]

What to people think about Rivian's strategy here?

I think Rivian really needs to reconsider their decision on the max pack not taking all the usable space up in the R1T. Likely going to hurt their sales because it makes it less competitive for a big part of the truck market.

I guess if they are fine with most of the sales being the R1S, then that's probably a driver in keeping production slightly simpler.

 

[olsonnet]

I think they'll eventually start adding them to the Shop for the preorder voucher holders to order.

 

[DuoRivian]

I think they'll eventually start adding them to the Shop for the preorder voucher holders to order.

I expect they will minimize what the few remaining pre order holders can get. I am surprised they are allowing any of them to use their voucher for a 2025.

As to the strategy it makes sense. The electric truck market has not done as well as people thought - if Ford with the industry leading (in terms of sales) F150 is down to one shift given the name recognition, large availability of options/accessories and local dealers has failed to make the Lightening a success then the R1T will remain a relatively small seller.

I hope Rivian in 2026 goes for the Ferrari approach of producing less vehicles than they can comfortably sell. By that I mean looking at around 40k not the current close to 50k sales volume which requires incentives, free upgrades, free PPF etc to shift product. Since Normal can shift production to the R2 they should limit R1 production to product that can be sold with minimal incentives hence helping them financially.

 

[jjswan33]

I think Rivian really needs to reconsider their decision on the max pack not taking all the usable space up in the R1T. Likely going to hurt their sales because it makes it less competitive for a big part of the truck market.

I guess if they are fine with most of the sales being the R1S, then that's probably a driver in keeping production slightly simpler.

Maybe they still will add some capacity for your QM but I see your thought process.

If someone really wants to pull a trailer for example the GM truck products really have a leg up.

 

[jjswan33]

I hope Rivian in 2026 goes for the Ferrari approach of producing less vehicles than they can comfortably sell. By that I mean looking at around 40k not the current close to 50k sales volume which requires incentives, free upgrades, free PPF etc to shift product. Since Normal can shift production to the R2 they should limit R1 production to product that can be sold with minimal incentives hence helping them financially.

I don't think the market would like a number of 40k but I guess you just mean R1 volume, as long as EDV volume fills up the factory then great.

On the other hand I don't think they have any trouble moving ~$80k R1S inventory but if you want a high end trim or an R1T then you need to commit.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Maybe they still will add some capacity for your QM but I see your thought process.

If someone really wants to pull a trailer for example the GM truck products really have a leg up.

If RAN didn't exist in my state, I would be pretty tempted to take another look at the GM trucks even though I'd be giving up a significant amount of performance. Right now doing a trip pulling a trailer to go "up north" here is barely doable depending on non-RAN chargers, but a total non-issue after the inclusion of RAN.

Once Rivian opens RAN to everyone, it's going to be back in my mind again. And with that supposedly happening before the release of the new quad...

 

[yizzung]

There are several 25 models already showing up in The Shop. I suspect that they are going to “mass produce” a few variations to keep inventory available but will custom build for those that want something different.

 

[jjswan33]

There are several 25 models already showing up in The Shop. I suspect that they are going to “mass produce” a few variations to keep inventory available but will custom build for those that want something different.

25 R1T models? I have yet to see one in the shop.

 

[zipzag]

I think they'll eventually start adding them to the Shop for the preorder voucher holders to order.

I doubt the 2025 R1T shows up in the shop before vouchers expire. I doubt they switch from R1S production this summer/fall unless sales are really slow. I don't expect sales to be really slow.

I originally ordered a two row R1S with the real max pack. Such a foolish dreamer. So I guess I'll switch now from an R1T to a R1S. I just didn't want to "pull the trigger" on a G1 R1T at the end of cycle.

I'm too much of a tech nerd to pass on the new cameras and computer.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I doubt the 2025 R1T shows up in the shop before vouchers expire. I doubt they switch from R1S production this summer/fall unless sales are really slow. I don't expect sales to be really slow.

I originally ordered a two row R1S with the real max pack. Such a foolish dreamer. So I guess I'll switch now from an R1T to a R1S. I just didn't want to "pull the trigger" on a G1 R1T at the end of cycle.

I'm too much of a tech nerd to pass on the new cameras and computer.

Ya know, this makes me wonder. If you placed an R1T order for what you wanted, then cancelled it after it arrived, would it end up available in the shop?

 

[yizzung]

25 R1T models? I have yet to see one in the shop.

Maybe it’s your location. I tried San Francisco and Denver, both had vehicles. Delivery in “1-6 weeks” per the site. There’s a filter for 25s now built into the search function.

 

[yizzung]

 

[jjswan33]

That's an R1S.. This thread is about R1T.

Just check SFO and 2025 selection is grayed out for R1T just like in my market.

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