Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) CEO and founder RJ Scaringe has defended his company's decision to omit Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) phone projection software CarPlay from Rivian's vehicles. He also highlighted Chinese competition and a volatile tariff environment.Rivian R2 Deliveries To Begin Next YearSpeaking on the "Decoder" podcast on Monday, Scaringe shared a comprehensive list of updates about Rivian, including a delivery timeline for the anticipated R2 midsize electric SUV. "We start deliveries in ...

Core Insights - Rivian is expected to have an exciting year ahead with the upcoming production of its R2 model, which will be priced under $50,000, starting in early 2026 [1] - The elimination of a key government subsidy for electric vehicles (EVs) may negatively impact Rivian's sales and demand in 2026 [3][5][6] Industry Impact - The removal of federal tax credits has led to a surge in EV purchases as buyers aimed to take advantage of the subsidy before it was eliminated, potentially leading to a demand overhang in late 2025 and early 2026 [3][4] - Cost-conscious consumers are likely to result in subdued demand for EVs, including Rivian's R2 model, which is expected to be priced around $45,000 [5] Competitive Position - Rivian may be better positioned than competitors like Lucid Group due to its more affordable model entering the market, although it still faces challenges without the federal tax credits [6] - Analysts predict that 2026 could be a challenging year for Rivian and the broader EV market due to the absence of tax incentives [3][6]

Rivian is looking at a potentially major transformation in its business over the coming months.Rivian Automotive (RIVN 0.85%) is expected to announce earnings in early November. If you've been eyeing this electric vehicle stock, now may be a key moment to buy it at a discount. That's because Rivian is about to reach an important growth catalyst. This will perhaps be the biggest in its history. Let's learn what that is and whether now it a good time to invest in the EV maker. Expect important updates to arri ...

(Bloomberg) -- Rivian Automotive Inc. is reworking a key element of its vehicle doors after employees and customers raised concerns over potential safety issues with the current design, according to people familiar with the matter. Rivian plans to incorporate a manual release that’s more clearly visible and located near the electrically powered interior handles in the rear doors of its next-generation SUV, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The new lower-cost m ...

Rivian Automotive Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Rivian Automotive (NasdaqGS:RIVN) - **Date**: September 10, 2025 - **Key Speaker**: RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO Key Points R2 Vehicle Launch and Demand - Rivian has over 100,000 non-binding pre-orders for the R2 vehicle, which starts at an average selling price (ASP) of $45,000, significantly lower than the R1's ASP of around $90,000 [4][5][3] - The R2 is seen as a critical program for Rivian, expected to enable higher production volumes and positive free cash flow [4][6] - Initial excitement for the R2 has been strong, with 70,000 orders within 24 hours of its launch announcement in spring 2024 [5] Production and Manufacturing Confidence - Rivian plans to begin shipping the R2 in the first half of 2026, with a production capacity of 150,000 units per year at its Normal, Illinois facility [10][9] - The company has learned from the R1 production challenges, focusing on supplier readiness and validation to ensure a smooth ramp-up for R2 [10][8] European Market Potential - The R2 is designed for both U.S. and European markets, with potential for 0% tariffs on exports from the U.S. to Europe, making it an attractive market for Rivian [12][11] - Rivian has existing service infrastructure in Europe from its commercial van operations with Amazon, which can be scaled for R2 [15][14] Manufacturing Technology and Cost Structure - Rivian is focusing on simplifying product design to reduce costs, with the bill of materials being a significant cost driver [16][17] - The company is exploring further manufacturing innovations for future production phases, including potential changes in Georgia [17] R1 Vehicle Performance - The R1 is the best-selling premium electric SUV in the U.S., with a market share of approximately 35% in the premium SUV segment [18][19] - Rivian plans to shift some customers from R1 to R2, allowing R1 to move further upmarket and increase its ASP [23][22] Commercial Vehicle Business - Rivian's contract with Amazon for 100,000 commercial vehicles is still on track, with expectations for significant growth in deliveries by 2026 and 2027 [24][25] - The company sees potential for expanding its commercial business beyond Amazon, driven by lower total cost of ownership for electric vehicles [26] Technology and Partnerships - Rivian has a joint venture with Volkswagen Group, providing access to its electrical and electronic architecture, valued at approximately $6 billion [28][37] - The architecture supports software-defined vehicles, allowing for easier updates and new features [34][35] Autonomy and Future Expectations - Rivian plans to offer Level 3 autonomy by 2026, with expectations for significant advancements in self-driving technology by 2030 [41][45] - The company is focused on solving technical challenges before exploring partnerships in the autonomous vehicle space [48] Financial Outlook - Rivian aims to achieve adjusted EBITDA break-even by 2027, with the R2 program designed to support a healthy gross margin even without existing incentives [50][51] - The ramp-up of R2 production in 2026 is seen as crucial for reaching positive EBITDA in 2027 [52] Additional Insights - Rivian's approach to manufacturing and technology emphasizes cost reduction and efficiency, positioning the company for competitive advantage in the electric vehicle market [16][36] - The company is optimistic about the future of electric vehicles and the potential for growth in both consumer and commercial segments [25][26]

Core Insights - Rivian Automotive's upcoming R2 SUV is expected to drive significant growth, with strong demand projected by Needham analyst Chris Pierce [1][2] - The R2, priced at approximately $50,000, is anticipated to expand Rivian's total addressable market beyond its premium R1 lineup [3][4] - Rivian's strategic relationship with Amazon enhances its market position, particularly in the commercial EV sector [6] Market Positioning - Rivian is well-positioned to capture market share in the mid-size SUV segment, entering a broader and more competitive market [2][5] - Early indicators show robust demand and positive brand sentiment, with a consumer survey revealing about 60% brand awareness in lower EV penetration cities [4][5] Growth Potential - The delivery expectations for the R2 in fiscal 2026 are considered modest, allowing Rivian a realistic path to exceed market estimates [5] - Rivian's clean-sheet approach to building a software-defined, vertically integrated vehicle positions it as a long-term leader in the transition to electric vehicles [5] Strategic Relationships - The partnership with Amazon, Rivian's largest shareholder, strengthens its market presence, particularly through the Electric Delivery Van (EDV) program [6] - This dual exposure to both consumer and fleet segments positions Rivian to benefit from the accelerating electrification trend in the automotive industry [6]

Core Insights - Lucid Group is set to launch a midsize platform aimed at creating a more affordable vehicle line, expanding its market reach while maintaining performance and efficiency [1][3] - Production of the midsize platform is scheduled to start in late 2026, with an official unveiling planned for next year and deliveries expected to ramp up throughout 2027 [2][9] - The new Atlas Powertrain will debut in the first vehicle of the midsize platform, promising high efficiency at a lower cost [3][9] Company Developments - Lucid concluded the second quarter with $4.86 billion in total liquidity, which is expected to sustain operations until the second half of 2026 [3] - The midsize platform will include at least three models, such as a midsize SUV and a sedan, with starting prices around $50,000 [3][9] - Despite recent enhancements from acquired Nikola facilities, these will not impact the production timeline for the midsize vehicles [2] Market Context - Lucid has underperformed compared to the Zacks Automotive - Domestic industry, with shares down 24.8% year-to-date against the industry's decline of 14.4% [7] - The company appears overvalued based on its price/sales ratio, trading at a forward sales multiple of 3.02 compared to the industry's 2.72 [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS has decreased by 4 cents in the past week, while the estimate for 2026 EPS has dropped by a penny in the last 30 days [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting fates of electric vehicle startups in the U.S. and China, highlighting the struggles of Rivian, Lucid, and Fisker in the U.S. market compared to the profitability transition of Chinese counterparts like NIO, Xpeng, and Li Auto [5][6]. Group 1: Rivian - Rivian's Q2 2025 financial report shows a net loss of $1.1 billion, exceeding market expectations, with an adjusted EBITDA loss forecast raised from $1.7-1.9 billion to $2.0-2.25 billion for the year [8][12]. - The decline in revenue is attributed to the reduction of non-core income from emission credits, with expectations for credit sales lowered from $300 million to $160 million [8][12]. - Rivian plans to pause factory operations for three weeks in Q3 to prepare for new model production, with a total production of 5,979 vehicles in Q2, a significant year-on-year decline [9][11]. - The company is focusing on the upcoming R2 project, a mid-range SUV expected to launch in 2026, which is seen as crucial for transitioning to the mainstream market [11][13]. - Rivian has secured a $5.8 billion partnership with Volkswagen for technology and capital collaboration, which includes a $1 billion equity investment [12]. Group 2: Lucid - Lucid's Q2 2025 report indicates a downward revision of its annual production target from 20,000 to between 18,000 and 20,000 vehicles, with quarterly revenue of $259 million falling short of analyst expectations [16][17]. - The company faces challenges in demand and supply chain issues, with increased import costs due to tariffs and reduced regulatory credits impacting revenue [17][18]. - Lucid is pursuing a dual strategy by entering the Robotaxi market in partnership with Uber and Nuro, planning to deploy 20,000 autonomous taxis by 2026 [19][20]. - The company is also developing a mid-range electric vehicle priced around $50,000, but lacks a clear timeline for its release [21][22]. - Lucid's financial model is under pressure, as both the Robotaxi initiative and the mid-range vehicle strategy require time and capital, which are currently in short supply [23]. Group 3: Fisker - Fisker has officially filed for bankruptcy in June 2024, with court approval for its liquidation plan in October, marking a dramatic exit from the market [26][27]. - The company’s downfall is attributed to insufficient funding, product failures, and a lack of partnerships, leading to a significant drop in vehicle sales and customer trust [31]. - Fisker’s Ocean SUV is now being sold at drastically reduced prices, with some vehicles available for as low as $16,500, highlighting the collapse of its market position [28][29]. - The failure of Fisker serves as a cautionary tale for the electric vehicle industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainable business models over initial hype and funding [31][32].

Summary of U.S. Autos & Auto Parts Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the U.S. automotive industry, particularly the impact of tariffs on earnings and production for major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Ford, GM, and Stellantis [2][17][19]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Tariff Impact on Earnings**: The upcoming Q2 results will prominently display the costs associated with tariffs, with estimates suggesting an EBIT impact ranging from €1.8 billion to $5 billion for OEMs [3][19]. 2. **Demand Pull-Forward**: There has been a temporary boost in sales due to tariff-induced demand pull-forward in April and May, but this is not expected to be sustainable [4][25]. 3. **Production Cuts**: OEMs are expected to cut production in H2 2025, which may lead to disappointing sales and earnings as the market softens [2][6][19]. 4. **Consumer Environment**: A weakening consumer environment, driven by tariff-induced inflation and a shift towards lower-paying jobs, is likely to reduce discretionary spending on automobiles [6][19]. 5. **Electric Vehicle (EV) Market**: The demand for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) has improved, but policy headwinds and the removal of tax credits may create challenges for OEMs, particularly the Detroit Three [5][19]. 6. **OEM Strategies**: Ford, GM, and Stellantis are increasing U.S. content and working with suppliers to comply with USMCA, but these strategies have not yet effectively mitigated costs [19][24]. 7. **Stellantis Positioning**: Stellantis is seen as better positioned among the Detroit Three due to its international operations, which reduce its tariff exposure [11][18]. 8. **Rivian and Polestar Challenges**: Rivian's tariff impact is delayed due to inventory management, while Polestar faces challenges from geopolitical tensions affecting its global production strategy [12][24]. Important but Overlooked Content 1. **Market Share Stability**: Despite the challenges, market share for GM and Stellantis has remained stable at approximately 17% and 7%, respectively, with Ford increasing its share to 14% [25]. 2. **Pricing Trends**: There has been no significant change in pricing or discounts across the sector, indicating that OEMs have absorbed tariff costs without passing them onto consumers [19][25]. 3. **Long-term Outlook**: The long-term growth plans for companies like Polestar may need to be reassessed due to the impact of U.S. tariffs and trade tensions [24]. Financial Metrics - **Ford**: Estimated gross EBIT impact of $2.5 billion for the remainder of 2025, with a total annual estimate of $3.75 billion [19]. - **GM**: Estimated EBIT drag from tariffs is between $4 billion and $5 billion, with a structural cost shift closer to $7 billion to $8 billion [19]. - **Stellantis**: Expected to manage a net tariff impact in the U.S. of approximately €1 billion to €1.5 billion [18]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding the U.S. automotive industry's current state and future outlook, particularly in light of tariff impacts and changing consumer dynamics.

Core Viewpoint - Rivian Automotive is currently undervalued compared to competitors like Lucid Group and Tesla, with potential for significant growth starting in 2026 as new models are introduced and production costs decrease [2][3][6] Group 1: Current Valuation and Market Position - Rivian shares trade at a discount of 2.7 times sales, compared to Lucid's 7.1 times and Tesla's 11.5 times [2] - The current discount is justified due to slower sales growth compared to Lucid and Tesla's capital advantages [3] Group 2: Future Growth Prospects - Rivian plans to begin production of the R2 midsize SUV in early 2026, priced around $45,000, followed by the R3 and R3X models [5] - The introduction of these new models is expected to attract tens of millions of new buyers, significantly expanding Rivian's market presence [5] Group 3: Financial Improvements - Rivian has already seen a 34% reduction in R1 manufacturing costs as it prepares for R2 production, indicating potential for improved gross margins [6] - Despite recent challenges such as the elimination of federal regulatory credits, long-term normalized margins are expected to rise [6] - With shares at multi-year lows, there is an opportunity for investment before these financial catalysts materialize [6]