1 Automobile Stock I'd Buy Before RIVN

Core Insights - Rivian's stock has experienced significant volatility, rallying during the pandemic but subsequently falling over 80% in the past five years, despite a 48% gain in 2025 [1] - The expiration of the U.S. EV tax credit and ongoing net losses pose challenges for Rivian, even as it reported 78% year-over-year revenue growth in Q3, likely driven by a temporary surge in EV purchases [2] - December 2025 production and delivery numbers for Rivian were lower than the previous year, indicating skepticism about the company's future performance [3] Industry Context - The EV market is facing a downturn, with major automakers like Ford scaling back or abandoning their EV plans, suggesting a challenging environment for Rivian [4] - Ford's vehicle sales have outperformed the industry average for nine consecutive months, with only a 0.9% decline compared to an average of 7% for the industry, attributed to its diverse vehicle lineup [5] - The Ford Maverick hybrid model has set new sales records, indicating that entry-level vehicles are helping Ford gain market share, contrasting with Rivian's focus on high-net-worth individuals [6] - The fading EV boom makes Rivian less attractive as an investment, while Ford remains a reliable stock with a strong growth trajectory [7]