Launch/Reveal Comparisons between Rivian and Tesla

[Augsburg]

I think the March 7th Rivian launch/reveal for the R2/R3/R3X was the first I've seen by the company. On the other hand, I've seen several Tesla Launches. It strikes me there is a stark contrast between Rj and Elon in regards to how they present themselves and the companies they lead.

I felt the central theme of the R2 launch event was "we have put in all efforts to give our customers what they want". Rivian emphasized over and over what they heard in feedback from customers and even admitted once or twice where they might have missed the mark (e.g. R1 phone charger). I feel Rivian is customr-focused. I think RJ makes sure his team never forgets their success comes from satisfying a customer base. It's not about them, it's about us. They know cost is an issue for buyers and RJ frequently mentioned their laser focus on cost.

Tesla launches are different. Watch the recently released YouTube video on the Model 3 refresh. The focus in on the beautiful design. The high tech they offer. How wonderful their product is. I feel like they think they already know what their customer SHOULD want to buy. It reminds me of a Paris fashion show. The beauty of the high couture fashion is paramount. The designer's preeminence in the industry is what they hang their hat on. No one talks about whether the dress the model is wearing can be cleaned or is easy to get into. The price is never mentioned.

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[White Shadow]

The difference is that Tesla is already well established, and Rivian is trying to get to that point.

Plus, Tesla pretty much does what they want at this point, no matter what people think. Case in point---silly yoke steering wheels (although they did start to pull back on that a bit) and elimating turn signal stalks for buttons.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Tesla launches are different.

The phrase "Let them eat cake" comes to mind.

 

[Redline]

I've seen a few of the "normal" Tesla owners on Twitter turning towards Rivian...the ones who have "TeslaManEloniSGod69" as their user name are fully entering the cult.

One of the some what normal Tesla owners said "The cultists are going to turn the general consumer away from Tesla, and Rivian has a huge opportunity to be the one to benefit" and I couldn't agree more.

 

[White Shadow]

I've seen a few of the "normal" Tesla owners on Twitter turning towards Rivian...the ones who have "TeslaManEloniSGod69" as their user name are fully entering the cult.

One of the some what normal Tesla owners said "The cultists are going to turn the general consumer away from Tesla, and Rivian has a huge opportunity to be the one to benefit" and I couldn't agree more.

I'm one of those people who will never own/drive a Tesla because I can't stomach Elon Musk. So pretty much the polar opposite of the Musk cultists you described.

 

[Redline]

I'm one of those people who will never own/drive a Tesla because I can't stomach Elon Musk. So pretty much the polar opposite of the Musk cultists you described.

I won't own a Tesla product until he's gone, that's for sure.

I even have mixed feelings giving him business through the SC network, but I do understand how many good people work for Tesla, regardless of their insane leader.

I still think the company would be better off, if he stepped down.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Customer focused is good. They have to be as they are building their brand. It's also a good way to differentiate themselves from Tesla.

 

[DonkeyKong]

RJ felt very organic to me…which is a breath of fresh air.

 

[Augsburg]

I'm one of those people who will never own/drive a Tesla because I can't stomach Elon Musk. So pretty much the polar opposite of the Musk cultists you described.

We decided early on that the Tesla's were too "prissy" for us. The piano finish on the interior did not sit well with us as dog people. Once Elon went off the rails, that iced it. My wife is even more anti-Elon than me. I can see he made some good technical decisions. Buy he's arrogant and a jerk in our book. That negates any good he has done.

A couple of months ago Elon was doing interviews stating "I don't care". Fine, but we DO care and we don't do business with someone that sees themself as above everyone else.

I have to wonder if Elon saw the backlash coming against Tesla when he made a raid on Tesla's earnings by getting the Board to over-compensate him. Hence a shareholder lawsuit and a recent decision by a judge that he must pay back the $55B he got the Board to pay him.

 

[iansriv]

I'm one of those people who will never own/drive a Tesla because I can't stomach Elon Musk. So pretty much the polar opposite of the Musk cultists you described.

I'm not a fan of the current Elon. I used to like the old Elon. Tesla is a great American story that started the EV revolution and there are thousands of good people working there. At the current price I would buy a Tesla for driving around town/grocery runs. But, I cannot understand how Telsa and Rivians are cross-shopped. One is an electric Range Rover and the other an electric Corolla.

 

[White Shadow]

I'm not a fan of the current Elon. I used to like the old Elon. Tesla is a great American story that started the EV revolution and there are thousands of good people working there. At the current price I would buy a Tesla for driving around town/grocery runs. But, I cannot understand how Telsa and Rivians are cross-shopped. One is an electric Range Rover and the other an electric Corolla.

I give the guy credit for what he has done with the EV industry, there's no denying that. But he has turned into a complete asshat over the years and I'd rather not support him in any way. Tesla would be much better off if he'd just have faded into the background instead of trying to be such a controversial nutjob. I really can't stand the guy at all....

RJ comes across as the anit-Elon type of CEO. He seems like a really likeable guy.

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