Rivian quietly removed the under-front-seat storage space in the R1 Gen
The company tells us that few R1T and R1S owners actually use the storage area under the front passenger seat go through Brad Anderson December 4, 2024 21:09 Owners of new R1 models are confused by the sudden disappearance of storage bags. The company recently quietly removed hidden drawers from all second-generation R1 models. Some have speculated that Rivian's decision to ditch the compartment was a cost-cutting measure. Rivian has quietly eliminated under-seat storage bins from all second-generation R1T and R1S models, a move that's sure to leave some owners scratching their heads. Oddly, this comes just a few months after the Gen 2 R1 series launched and received a host of updates, making the disappearance of this small but surprisingly handy feature even more puzzling. Read: 2025 Rivian R1S and R1T combine tired looks with new tech and more power Earlier this week, news that the storage bins had been removed began circulating on Twitter, Reddit and various forums,…
DOGE leader Vivek Ramaswamy targets Rivian for $6.6
Rivian received the loan from the Energy Department in November, but Ramaswany claimed it was a "political shot" at Elon Musk and Tesla December 2, 2024 15:10 Vivek Ramaswamy will co-head the Government Effectiveness Department with Elon Musk. Ramaswamy recently posted that the Governor's Office will review many of the Biden administration's actions. One of them could be a $6.6 billion federal loan to Rivian for a factory in Georgia. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the so-called Department of Government Effectiveness, or DOGE. If it rings alarm bells, that's because DOGE is a reference to the Doge meme and the reverse acronym of the Dogecoin cryptocurrency, both of which are associated with Musk. While DOGE will not serve as an executive branch, it will become an advisory agency and is expected to have a significant impact on federal spending and operations. Presumably, this will happen sometime…
Rivian R1T beats Tesla Cybertruck in a tug-of-war
There's only a 5-horsepower difference between the two, but the Rivian has a big torque advantage. The flagship Cyberbeast and tri-motor R1T can both tow 11,000 pounds. A decade ago, the idea that two startups would produce two of the most compelling electric pickup trucks on the market would have been unthinkable. However, in 2024, the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T are leading the way in electrifying one of America's most iconic and popular automotive segments. But which one of the two is best? var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("0f7e3106 -c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8"); } else { adpushup.triggerAd("82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f"); Both the Cybertruck and the R1T have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, so when Motor Trend got its hands on both recently, it decided to focus purely on towing, lining up the trucks in a tug-of-war. However, this tug-of-war is not taking place on the road where Tesla and Rivian have the best chance to…
Rivian and Volkswagen team up to reinvent new electric vehicles
Rivian is involved in the development of the Volkswagen Group's next generation of electric vehicles. Volkswagen will use Rivian's electric architecture in future software-defined cars. The all-electric Volkswagen Golf Mk9 will be one of them, expected to go on sale in 2029. Volkswagen's $5.8 billion joint venture with Rivian appears to have some ambitious projects in the works, and by "ambitious" we mean important enough to change Volkswagen's electric vehicle strategy for the next decade. The electric vehicle disruptor will help Volkswagen Group develop its next generation of electric vehicles, including the highly anticipated Golf Mk9. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("0f7e3106 -c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8"); } else { adpushup.triggerAd("82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f"); Rivian is developing a next-generation electrical architecture tailored for software-defined vehicles. The first Volkswagen Group brands to adopt this cutting-edge system will be Porsche and Audi, with implementation starting in 2027. However, if Rivian's own R2 model launches in 2026 as planned, it may…
Rivian software boss says Google in, button out, open
Some of these changes and features will be rolled out before the end of the year November 26, 2024 16:30 Rivian's software chief discusses upcoming features, including Google Cast's release schedule. The company is exploring voice commands to access all infotainment features with AI integration. Future subscription-based software features may introduce unlockable performance or scope upgrades. Google Cast will soon be available on Rivian vehicles. This was one of the most notable announcements made during a recent fireside chat with Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid, which included car spoon. During the discussion, Bensaid gave a brief overview of the brand's ongoing software development and introduced features to look out for and some that might raise eyebrows. For a company that has studiously eschewed Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the addition of Google Cast marks an interesting, if somewhat sideways, step forward. Google Cast isn't a perfect solution, but it will enhance the overall experience for Rivian customers. Now, the…
Tesla settles Rivian theft claims lawsuit
The lawsuit originally alleged that Rivian actively encouraged former Tesla employees to steal confidential information go through Brad Anderson November 25, 2024 08:30 Tesla claims Rivian poached employees and stole trade secrets related to its battery technology. Details of the conditional agreement have not yet been released. Volkswagen Group recently announced a $5.8 billion investment in Rivian. Tesla is set to settle its lawsuit against Rivian after claiming its rival poached employees and stole trade secrets. The world's leading electric car maker first launched its pursuit of Rivian in mid-2020, claiming that former employees employed by Rivian stole trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information, even adding that despite confidentiality obligations to Tesla employees, Rivian still encourages these thefts. Eighteen months later, Tesla expanded its lawsuit, claiming that Rivian actively stole trade secrets related to its battery technology. Read: Volkswagen and Rivian team up to develop electric car technology, expected to launch in 2027 Rivian has always denied Tesla's claims.…
Volkswagen and Rivian team up to develop electric vehicle technology, expected to launch in 2027
Volkswagen initially pledged to spend $5 billion to collaborate on software and architecture, but this week announced it would increase its stake go through Chris Chilton 14 hours ago Volkswagen has increased its investment in Rivian from $5 billion to $5.8 billion. The joint venture will develop software and architecture for use by Rivian and the Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen said it expects the first cars with the new software to debut in 2027. In Europe, Volkswagen Group is considering closing factories and forcing workers to take pay cuts in an effort to save the struggling company some money. But on the other side of the Atlantic, the company is spending big money, announcing this week that it will increase its investment in Rivian to $5.8 billion. As early as June, Volkswagen revealed that it would invest $5 billion in Rivian to form a joint venture to develop electrical architecture and software for use in the two companies' vehicles. Volkswagen's own…
Rivian wants to give you 3,000 reasons to keep going
In fact, Rivian doesn't even require you to trade in your gas engine to get the $3,000 rebate on a new R1S or R1T November 2, 2024 09:35 Rivian's $3,000 discount is specifically targeted at buyers who own or lease a gasoline or hybrid vehicle that wants to go electric. To qualify for the discount, shoppers must order by November 30 and take delivery by December 31, 2024 The deal excludes used cars and entry-level models and is intended to push customers towards higher-spec R1S and R1T models. As the year comes to an end, Rivian is clearly feeling the pressure to move more units off the site. One of the ways this is done is by offering cash to buyers in the form of discounts. To qualify, buyers need to do a few things, including owning a gas-powered vehicle. Here are all the details on how you can score $3,000 off a new Rivian R1S or R1T right now.…
Rivian software boss says Dash button is a bug, not a bug
Wassym Bensaid tells TechCrunch that improved voice activation is a better solution than the recovery button go through Chris Chilton 13 hours ago Rivian's software chief dismissed criticism of modern touchscreens, calling the use of buttons to operate functions an "anomaly." Wassym Bensaid told TechCrunch that improving voice activation through artificial intelligence is the best way forward for in-car technology. Bensaid said Rivian wants to make all touchscreen operations possible through voice control. Carmakers are enthusiastic about touchscreens, but some drivers aren't convinced. Opponents claim that too many new car features are now buried in touchscreens and they want physical buttons to make a comeback, which research shows are easier to use. But Rivian's software boss thinks the button has become old news, calling it an "anomaly" at a recent technology conference. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, the electric car company's chief software officer Wassym Bensaid fired back at those who want more old-school hard keys in car interiors. Related: Has…
Rivian update pays tribute to Back to the Future knight
Rivian is launching a series of pop culture-themed electric vehicle (EV) retro products this Halloween that pay homage to two 1980s icons. In an update rolling out to U.S. owners of the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, owners can now change their exterior and interior by selecting new "car apparel" through Rivian's smartphone app. The most comprehensive costume is simply called KITT, named after the talking Pontiac Firebird driven by Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) in the cult classic TV show Knight Rider. Hundreds of new car deals available via car expert Now. Get the experts on your side and get big rewards. Browse now. Choose KITT apparel, and the Rivian vehicle's interior screen will transform into a tribute to the TV car, with '80s graphics and illuminated control panels. On "Gen 2" models, the front light bar turns into a red beam that sweeps from side to side, just like a modified Pontiac. If you like to go places…
Rivian seeks new loan to kick-start $5 billion Georgia project
The brand's CEO said the Georgia factory is "an extremely important part of our strategy" go through Brad Anderson October 8, 2024 13:11 The automaker said it could be ready to start producing electric vehicles in Georgia in the fourth quarter of 2028. Rivian has previously received $1.5 billion in state and local incentives for the plant. Rivian said it would save more than $2.25 billion by initially producing R2 at its Illinois plant. Rivian is making progress toward restarting its long-planned manufacturing facility in Georgia and is applying for a federal loan to help facilitate further work at the plant. The electric carmaker originally planned to use the $5 billion Georgia plant to build its R2 series of models. However, it has since been decided that the R2 will initially be produced at the plant in Normal, Illinois in the first half of 2026, before moving to the Georgia plant. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said bringing R2 to market…
Rivian cuts production forecasts as third-quarter deliveries drop
The automaker expects to produce 47,000 to 49,000 vehicles by the end of 2024. Rivian had expected to produce 57,000 vehicles this year, the same as in 2023. Supplier issues are partly to blame for the slowdown. Rivian deliveries fell in the third quarter and the electric car maker slashed production targets for the rest of the year. Rivian will likely produce fewer vehicles by the end of 2024 than it did last year. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd(" 6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); Rivian delivered 10,018 vehicles between July and September. This was a significant decrease from the 13,790 units delivered in the second quarter and the 13,588 units delivered in the first quarter. Production increased from 9,612 vehicles in the second quarter to 13,157 vehicles in the third quarter, but was still lower than the 13,980 vehicles Rivian produced in the first quarter. The automaker blamed…
This Rivian R1T floated 150 feet during Hurricane Helene
R1T EV owner expected he'd need to call insurance company to report truck total loss, but it worked out well go through Brad Anderson October 4, 2024 20:58 The owner of the R1T found it covered in mud, but it still ran fine as if nothing had happened. Rivian goes to great lengths to seal the battery packs of its electric cars to prevent any water intrusion. If the on-board system detects water entering the battery pack, it will automatically cut off the power supply. As you probably know, electricity and salt water are like cats and bathrooms, or more appropriately, like Teslas and Florida floods, as evidenced by a recent viral video of a man in Spontaneous combustion after swimming. However, what may give Tesla fans pause is that the Rivian R1T caught in the chaos of Hurricane Helene shows that not all electric cars fall apart at the sight of water. Apparently, some people can handle an impromptu…
Hello Michael: Rivian Teases KITT Makeover Coming in October
Rivian appears to be teasing a Knight-themed software update Rivian has released a new teaser video showing off an apparent R1T or R1S in KITT guise. This clip was released on the 42ndND Anniversary of the first episode of Knight Rider. We'll know more in October, but you might want to keep your Michael Knight fantasies in check. Rivian has released a mysterious trailer worthy of Knight Industries 2000, and kids won't be the only ones dressing up for Halloween. Better known as KITT, starring the Pontiac Firebird knight and has become one of the most recognizable cars in Hollywood. As you can see in the 15-second clip, a leather-clad Michael Knight walks into a dark set and is greeted by the familiar red light that represents KITT. It's accompanied by a distinct hissing sound you might remember from your childhood. More: 2025 Rivian R1S and R1T combine tired looks with new tech and more power KITT then turns on…
2025 Rivian R1S will hit 60 mph, on par with the Corvette Z06
The four-motor R1S is also faster than the Lamborghini Urus Performante, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and Aston Martin DBX707. The Rivian R1S's four-motor configuration boasts 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. Motor Trend says the 2025 model will have a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 2.6 seconds. It also conquered the quarter mile quicker than a Lamborghini Urus. For years, SUVs were never really considered fast or fun to drive. Then Porsche broke the mold with the Cayenne, and more have followed. Now, Rivian may have just set a new high bar with the 2025 R1S, which has a quad-motor setup that delivers 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. A new independent test proves it's one of the fastest production cars (not just SUVs) ever built. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.6 seconds, the same as the new C8 Corvette Z06 and E-Ray. It's quicker than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, McLaren…
Rivian has a chance to recall 2025 R1S after forgetting
Some 2025 R1S SUVs may not have cruise control badges, so they may not meet federal safety standards Rivian had to replace the control levers on certain R1S models due to missing markings on the parts. The affected models include the recently launched 33 2025MY R1S models. This is at least the second time Rivian has issued a recall due to missing markings or stickers. A new car sold in the United States may be perfectly safe on the road, but without the proper markings or stickers, it may not meet federal safety standards. Rivian has experienced this frustrating reality firsthand, as it just issued a recall involving 33 vehicles. This isn’t the first time something of this nature has happened, either. According to the Irvine-based automaker, it was first informed of the potential issue on Sept. 6. The parts manufacturer responsible for supplying its steering column control modules (SCCMs) informed Rivian of the problem with the specific component. It…
Rivian finally launches referral program, offering $750
Car owners can only redeem free charging for a maximum of three years go through Brad Anderson 13 hours ago Owners and buyers can enjoy up to six months of free charging on Rivian's charging network. The first 100 owners to refer 25 people will receive an invitation to a special "Adventure Weekend." Rivian follows Tesla and Lucid in launching its own referral program. Owners and buyers of Rivian vehicles are each eligible to receive $750 worth of credits thanks to the electric car maker's long-awaited referral program. Tesla pioneered the referral program, encouraging its loyal fans to recruit as many new buyers as possible using a unique referral code. In return, Tesla offers discounts, points, free charging, and other benefits to attract its fanatical followers. Now, Rivian is apparently considering a similar path, but with a slight difference. Rivian's program offers a simple deal: The owner who refers a customer to a purchase earns 750 points (1 point is…
Factory fire destroys more than 50 Rivian R1T and R1S models
The fire occurred in the parking lot and did not cause damage to the facility. Rivian said it had not found any casualties. go through Brad Anderson August 27, 2024 09:50 Fortunately, the fire did not spread beyond the factory parking lot. A Rivian spokesperson said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The fire comes weeks after three Amazon delivery vans built by Rivian caught fire. Last weekend, a fire broke out in the parking lot of the Rivian factory in Normal, Illinois, damaging approximately 50 brand new Rivian R1S and R1T models. The fire started on Saturday evening and the General Fire Department was called to the scene just before 9:45 p.m. A video shared on social media showed the severity of the fire, with huge flames shooting into the sky and thick black smoke billowing out of the warm Rivians. Read: Rivian is cutting costs, but it's still losing more than $32,000 on each electric car…
Stellantis hires former Rivian manufacturing chief
By 2030, Stellantis will launch 25 new electric vehicles in the United States. Tim Fallon left Rivian before it began production of its smaller R2 and R3 models. Prior to joining Rivian, Fallon served in various positions at Nissan Motor Company for 16 years. Stellantis has hired Rivian's former manufacturing chief to lead its North American manufacturing operations starting September 2. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); Tim Fallon has been with Rivian for the past two years, most recently overseeing a massive transformation of the electric car maker's factory in Normal, Ill., that will streamline production and reduce costs. Prior to joining Rivian, Fallon spent more than 16 years at Nissan in a variety of roles, including vice president of manufacturing Canton. Read: Stellantis shareholders file lawsuit over falling profits Rivian has appointed logistics chief Carlo Materazzo to oversee production. Interestingly, Materazzo was a…
Ex-Ford designer’s Rivian Roamer research is everywhere
Increased Roamer versatility, including a rooftop tent and large LED light bar go through Brad Anderson 5 hours ago A former Ford designer envisions the Roamer sharing underpinnings with the R1S and R1T. The design includes rear doors and C-pillars, and features a built-in ladder for easy access to the roof. Unfortunately, Rivian has not revealed that it is developing such a model. While most EV startups try to break into the market with either mass-market models or high-end supercars, Rivian is taking a different approach with the R1S and R1T. Both vehicles are based on the same skateboard architecture and are focused on adventurers who want to enjoy the wilderness, with all the practicality that a vehicle in this segment offers. Inspired by the R1T and R1S, former Ford and Pininfarina designer Adita Narayan has envisioned the ultimate Rivian expedition vehicle. It's called the Roamer, but while the R1T is a pickup and the R1S is an SUV, the…
Rivian becomes most satisfying brand, beating Porsche and Tesla in new products
The BMW 7 Series was named the most desirable new car. Rivian was the most satisfactory brand, while Mitsubishi was the least satisfactory brand. Tesla electric cars are considered less desirable than their competitors. JD Power released its latest Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, which found that owner satisfaction “has rebounded after two years of unprecedented decline.” Specifically, the average satisfaction score was 847, up 2 points from a year ago. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); Interestingly, satisfaction with non-Tesla electric vehicles reached an all-time high of 877. This surpassed Tesla itself, which scored just 870. MORE: Ram tops J.D. Power quality survey, but Dodge falls from first to last While there are still many issues to be resolved, Frank Hanley of J.D. Power said: "Traditional manufacturers have listened to their customers. They are launching enhanced vehicles that better meet customer needs,…
Rivian becomes most satisfying brand, beating Porsche and Tesla in new products
The BMW 7 Series was named the most desirable new car. Rivian was the most satisfactory brand, while Mitsubishi was the least satisfactory brand. Tesla electric cars are considered less desirable than their competitors. JD Power released its latest Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, which found that owner satisfaction “has rebounded after two years of unprecedented decline.” Specifically, the average satisfaction score was 847, up 2 points from a year ago. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); Interestingly, satisfaction with non-Tesla electric vehicles reached an all-time high of 877. This surpassed Tesla itself, which scored just 870. MORE: Ram tops J.D. Power quality survey, but Dodge falls from first to last While there are still many issues to be resolved, Frank Hanley of J.D. Power said: "Traditional manufacturers have listened to their customers. They are launching enhanced vehicles that better meet customer needs,…
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Türkiye Istanbul Solar Photovoltaic Exhibition 2025 Exhibition Guide (Time & Venue + Ticket Booking)
