Benzingaยท2025-10-07 05:51Core Insights - Rivian Automotive Inc. CEO RJ Scaringe defends the decision to exclude Apple CarPlay from its vehicles, emphasizing the importance of proprietary software and AI features [1][7][8] - Rivian plans to begin deliveries of the R2 midsize electric SUV in the first half of next year, with production ramping up at a new $5 billion manufacturing facility in Georgia [2][3] - The company faces significant competition from Chinese manufacturers like BYD, which benefit from lower costs and abundant labor [4] - Tariffs imposed during the Trump administration are expected to increase production costs by a few thousand dollars per unit, but Rivian maintains a U.S.-centric supply chain [5][6] Delivery and Production - Rivian is currently in the building and testing phase for the R2, with plans to start producing saleable units early next year [2][3] - The Georgia manufacturing plant is crucial for meeting delivery targets, with R2 production expected to commence in 2028 [3] Competitive Landscape - Scaringe highlights the cost advantages of Chinese competitors, noting that BYD has access to low-cost capital and labor, resulting in lower overall production costs [4] - Rivian's U.S.-centric supply chain is designed to mitigate some of the cost impacts from changing trade policies [5][6] Technology and Features - The decision to omit CarPlay is part of Rivian's strategy to control the entire software stack, allowing for enhanced AI-integrated features [7][8] - Rivian aims to offer some level of autonomous driving capabilities by 2027, leveraging LiDAR technology [8]