Rivian has spent nearly two years building its own AI assistant, an effort that remains separate from its multi-billion dollar technology joint venture with Volkswagen, TechCrunch has learned.Rivian hasn’t revealed when it will put the AI assistant in consumers hands. However, in an interview earlier this year, Rivian’s software chief Wassym Bensaid told TechCrunch it was targeting the end of the year. The company will likely share more during its upcoming AI and Autonomy day, which will be live streamed st ...

Core Viewpoint - Rivian has agreed to a $250 million settlement regarding a 2022 shareholder lawsuit related to alleged misleading information about vehicle pricing and production costs [1][2][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The class-action lawsuit claims Rivian misled investors during its 2021 IPO by not disclosing that the R1S and R1T were priced below production costs, leading to inevitable price increases [2]. - In March 2022, Rivian raised the base price of the R1S and R1T by $12,000, which initially affected most reservations, but later allowed pre-order customers to pay the original price after backlash [3]. Group 2: Settlement Implications - Rivian maintains that the settlement does not imply any admission of fault or wrongdoing, and views it as an opportunity to focus on launching its mass market R2 vehicle in the first half of 2026 [4]. - The settlement is pending approval from the US District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division [4]. Group 3: Workforce and Market Challenges - Concurrently, Rivian is laying off 4.5% of its workforce, which amounts to over 600 employees, due to challenges such as the expiration of $7,500 tax credits, tariffs, and weakened demand for electric vehicles [5].

Core Insights - Rivian has officially begun construction on its factory in Georgia, which is expected to produce up to 400,000 electric vehicles annually once fully operational [1][2] - The factory is projected to create 7,500 permanent jobs and an additional nearly 8,000 indirect jobs through local suppliers and vendors [3][4] - The company plans to invest approximately $5 billion in the Georgia facility, with vehicle production anticipated to start in 2028 [7][14] Construction Timeline - A ceremonial groundbreaking event was held, attended by CEO RJ Scaringe and Georgia officials, although actual construction is not expected to start until the first quarter of 2026 [2][5] - Current activities are focused on preparatory work, including electrical and water system installations and access road construction [2] Job Creation and Economic Impact - The factory is expected to generate 2,000 construction jobs during its building phase [3] - Rivian has already created 47 full-time jobs and invested around $80 million in the project as of June 30 [3] Historical Context - Rivian announced plans for the Georgia factory shortly after its IPO in 2021, aiming for a larger production capacity than its existing Illinois facility [6] - The project faced delays due to local opposition and supply chain challenges, but was prioritized again in late 2024 after securing a $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy [11][12] Future Plans - Rivian aims for the new factory to serve a global market by 2028, indicating significant growth ambitions [14]

Core Insights - Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe has transferred approximately 4 million shares and 6 million options to his ex-wife as part of a divorce settlement, valued at around $130 million at current stock prices [2][3] - Following the transfer, Scaringe's voting power has decreased from 7.6% to about 4%, marking the lowest level since Rivian's IPO in 2021 [3][8] - Rivian is currently focused on redesigning its R1S SUV and R1T truck to reduce manufacturing costs and improve performance, while also preparing for the launch of the R2 SUV in 2026 [4] Ownership Structure - Rivian's ownership structure has evolved since its IPO in 2021, with Ford largely exiting and Volkswagen Group becoming a significant stakeholder, now owning 12.3% of Rivian [5][8] - Amazon remains the largest shareholder with a 14.2% stake, granting it the most voting power among shareholders at 13.3% [8] - Scaringe's ownership stake was 2% prior to the divorce settlement, and he previously held a 7.6% voting power due to Class B shares, which have since been reduced [8][10] Company Developments - Rivian entered a joint venture valued at $5.8 billion with Volkswagen, focusing on software and electrical architecture, with Rivian contributing technology and personnel [7] - The Class B stock transferred in the divorce settlement was converted to Class A stock, limiting the voting power of Scaringe's ex-wife if she retains the shares [10] - Scaringe's overall control remains significant, with around 50 million shares, options, and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that could increase his ownership and voting power as they vest [10]

Core Viewpoint - Rivian is positioned to potentially benefit from Tesla's declining brand reputation due to Elon Musk's political involvement, but it has struggled with sales growth and faces significant challenges ahead [2][5][12]. Group 1: Tesla's Brand and Market Position - Tesla has seen a significant decline in its brand reputation, dropping from 8th place in a 2021 poll to 95th in the latest survey, indicating a negative impact from Musk's political actions [5][6]. - The automotive industry is highly competitive, requiring substantial investment to scale production, as evidenced by Tesla's near-bankruptcy during its Model 3 production ramp-up [7][10]. Group 2: Rivian's Current Situation - Rivian delivered 50,122 vehicles in 2023, with only a slight increase to 51,579 in the following year, highlighting its struggles with growth [8]. - The company has adjusted its 2025 delivery guidance downwards, from 46,000-51,000 to 40,000-46,000, citing uncertainties in tariffs and trade policies affecting consumer demand [9]. - Rivian is set to launch the R2, a more affordable SUV starting at around $45,000, in the first half of next year, which is seen as critical for its future success [10]. Group 3: Financial Position and Future Outlook - Rivian has over $7.1 billion in cash and a joint venture with Volkswagen, providing it with near-term liquidity [12]. - However, if Rivian fails to generate sufficient sales volume, it may face continued fundraising and share dilution, which could negatively impact investment potential [12]. - The stock has decreased by 91% from its all-time high in 2021, reflecting investor concerns about its growth trajectory [12].