Rivian CFO: R2 production starts first half 2026; sourcing 95% complete; global sales (3/5/25 video)

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Just imagine how many RX3s Rivian could be selling.

Not as many as R2.

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[kurtlikevonnegut]

Just imagine how many R2s Rivian could be selling in 2025 with all the Tesla backlash!

Hard to put a solid number on the amount of damage the NIMBYs of Covington, GA did to Rivian with their delaying effects on the plant there. The original timeline would have had initial operations starting around now with R2 launching 2H 2025 and able to capitalize on the current anti-Tesla sentiment.

 

[iansriv]

Not as many as R2.

Not an expert but the R3 will probably sell more globally than the R2. I'd be happy either way as long as Rivian keeps doing well. Cheers.

 

[CharonPDX]

Not as many as R2.

Yeah, R3X is to R2 as R1T is to R1S.

The "halo" vehicle of the line, but won't be the volume seller.

Regular R3 will probably be a hit in Europe, though.

Maybe Rivian can buy Telsa's Berlin plant. They probably won't need it for much longer with the way their European sales are tanking.

 

[DaveA]

R2 is higher profit margin than R3. Pretty sure that’s the main reason it is prioritized.

 

[andyboo]

R2 is higher profit margin than R3. Pretty sure that’s the main reason it is prioritized.

I think the main reason is that they’ve mostly finished designing the R2 while the R3/R3X is still getting hashed out as to major details like suspension (fixed vs. variable), ride height, interior design/materials, etc.

 

[DanDibs58]

Just imagine how many R2s Rivian could be selling in 2025 with all the Tesla backlash!

It won't be ending any time soon, regardless of whether Elon decides to rejoin the company. The damage has been done for most everyone except the fanbois.

 

[savethemanual]

It won't be ending any time soon, regardless of whether Elon decides to rejoin the company. The damage has been done for most everyone except the fanbois.

I would hope to believe that, but so many people have short term memory

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I would hope to believe that, but so many people have short term memory

Speaking of short term memory… next election is when? There is plenty of time left for more drama and backlash. This is only the beginning.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Plus, have we already forgotten the cost of rushing to market a product that isn’t quite ready? Or does not have a robust service and support network behind it? Rivian isn’t ignorant of their lessons. First half 26 might even be too early if the assembly lines continue to make mistakes on QC.

 

[savethemanual]

Yeah, the QC issues need to be corrected now. Their warranty costs have to be well above industry average, and obviously it's clogging up the service centers they do have.

I'm sure they're learning, R2 is obviously going to have some issues but lets hope they get it right (mostly) with the launch.

 

[DanDibs58]

I would hope to believe that, but so many people have short term memory

Well, Elon is going to continue to Elon for the foreseeable future, so you won't need to rely on people's memory. He will continue to descend. And the other factor is that they spent so much money on the flop Cybertruck, that any major updates to the bread and butter Model 3 and Y are probably off the table for years. That's another reason I'm looking at the R2. When I replace my MY in a couple of years, the platform will be 10 years old with no improvements in battery technology or charging speeds likely. A shame.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Yeah, the QC issues need to be corrected now. Their warranty costs have to be well above industry average, and obviously it's clogging up the service centers they do have.

I'm sure they're learning, R2 is obviously going to have some issues but lets hope they get it right (mostly) with the launch.

R2 also has further consolidation of components, beyond Gen2 R1. It proves Rivian is learning and putting that knowledge to use. These cost cutting moves will minimize production complexity as well, which could also help with QC (and provide padding against broader economic challenges). I for one do not see them making wrong moves. Despite the debbie downers continued ignorance of evidence, service network IS expanding. Is rate of expansion enough by the time R2 ramps? we will see, won’t we?

 

[savethemanual]

Well, Elon is going to continue to Elon for the foreseeable future, so you won't need to rely on people's memory. He will continue to descend. And the other factor is that they spent so much money on the flop Cybertruck, that any major updates to the bread and butter Model 3 and Y are probably off the table for years. That's another reason I'm looking at the R2. When I replace my MY in a couple of years, the platform will be 10 years old with no improvements in battery technology or charging speeds likely. A shame.

Yeah, amazing how he thought Falcon wings doors and a polarizing stainless steel design were going to be good business decisions.....but hey they look cool, right? Shame they have not reinvested into R&D for faster charge speeds, battery tech or updates to Model X (this things needs to be a true 3 row SUV...Americans love these). At least they got the Supercharger network correct and their efficiency is pretty good.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Yeah, amazing how he thought Falcon wings doors and a polarizing stainless steel design were going to be good business decisions.....but hey they look cool, right? Shame they have not reinvested into R&D for faster charge speeds, battery tech or updates to Model X (this things needs to be a true 3 row SUV...Americans love these). At least they got the Supercharger network correct and their efficiency is pretty good.

Behavioral patterns is glaring. He is all about attention seeking. Even if negative attention.

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