Rivian Outflanks US Truck Makers With Modular Bed Option

With the reveal of the 2019 Sierra, GMC introduced a new MultiPro tailgate with six different configurations and a carbon fiber bed. Ram then showed off its new Multifunction Tailgate while everyone forgot that the Honda Ridgeline actually offered a similar feature long before either of the two American truck makers.

These fancy tailgates are certainly innovative but American EV manufacturer Rivian may be working on a new idea to trump all of them. Rivian filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office for "Systems and methods for reconfigurable electric vehicles." In other words, Rivan's truck bed will be able to transform.

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Moo1 - 3/14/2019 8:13:13 AM

+5 Boost

Sounds pricey and complicated. Maybe they should wait and see if the vehicle will sell with a regular style bed before offering this.

MDarringer - 3/14/2019 8:20:03 AM

+4 Boost

Rivian announced imminent production a few years back and then nothing happened. This is ONLY about getting more investors so they can continue wasting money.

malba2367 - 3/14/2019 10:25:15 AM

+8 Boost

A modular bed sounds like a great idea on the surface, but from a manufacturing/reliability standpoint it will be a nightmare. Imagine all the points of failure introduced from having pieces snap on and off in an area that is meant to carry heavy loads.
If this were a viable option GM, Ford, Dodge, Toyota or Nissan would have done it already.

scenicbyway12 - 3/14/2019 12:38:50 PM

+5 Boost

"Rivian Outflanks US Truck Makers"

You actually have to build and sell a product before you can "Outflank" the competition.

Truthy - 3/15/2019 11:23:59 AM

+1 Boost

How will they conduct crash test results?
This will never be realized. "Outflanks" lazy auto writers.