Is The Much-hyped Rivian R1T Pick-up Truck Only HOT Among The Crowd That Will NEVER Actually Buy One?

Rivian is having a helluva past six or so months.

After a strong debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) the company has continued to pick up momentum. It certainly helps when you have the financial backing of both Amazon and Ford, the latter of which announced a half billion dollar investment in the company this week.

NOTE: Amazon has invested $700MM in Rivian.

While the automotive media has waxed poetic about the all-new concepts from Rivian, I can't help but notice one thing. I have yet to hear any excitement coming from traditional pick-up truck buyers. The only folks really jacked up about Rivian are the scribes who can't actually afford these toys. Aside from that, I haven't had any inquiries from anyone.

When Tesla made this much noise I was fielding calls from everyone and their mother.

I consulted the truck expert, Agent 001 on the matter and he noted the same thing. Breaking down its exterior design, we both agree it is rather femme and a bit on the goofy side. For good measure the designers integrated the sweeping light bar that seems to be appearing on just about every concept these days. Its interior boasts a sophisticated, Scandinavian-influenced design that would be right at home in a futuristic Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Volvo product. I actually like its interior but it seems to miss what high-volume pick-up truck buyers want: An in-your-face design (e.g., Ford F-150 Raptor) and a durable/functional interior. Oh, and chrome. LOTS of chrome.

So, we've got to ask: Is the Rivian R1T pick-up truck only HOT among the crowd that will NEVER actually buy one? Is there something BIGGER going on here?

MDarringer - 4/27/2019 6:46:32 PM

+2 Boost

Does Rivian build cars?

runninglogan1 - 4/28/2019 6:58:26 AM

-2 Boost

Said the tool who prophesied Tesla wouldn't exist in six months. Five years ago.

MDarringer - 4/28/2019 9:33:23 AM

0 Boost

Said the uneducated Mr. Literal who busy sniffing glue in the bathroom when his class was learning about hyperbole.

qwertyfla1 - 4/27/2019 7:30:55 PM

+1 Boost

Is this truck unibody or full frame? Good for them landing both Ford and Amazon but I can't see it being a huge commercial success unless it is priced on par with F150's which it won't.

Distributing these trucks through the Ford dealer network would be a huge advantage and get instant market share and Amazon could create the sales funnel needed to really launch this in a big way depending on MSRP.

MDarringer - 4/27/2019 8:00:27 PM

+1 Boost

"Good for them landing both Ford and..."

Ford has an electric 150 coming. By giving Rivian a half-billion dollars, it shuts Rivian up from being able to do frivolous lawsuits. Rivian hasn' built anything. Once before they promised production only to never build a car and so it it now.

PUGPROUD - 4/27/2019 8:36:09 PM

+1 Boost

Saw the Rivian SUV and pickup truck at NY Auto Show today. Much more impressive design and engineering than I anticipated. A chassis was on display hanging vertical...suspension looked very sophisticated and was told it has eight inch travel. A buddy who was with me who owns a machine shop and is a subcontractor for Ferrari wasn't sure about the battery setup in terms of cooling heat buildup though a company engineer on site assured him it has been thoroughly tested. Company reps stressed that the models on display were not concepts but what will actually be available. They were accepting $1,000 deposits. Don't know how many they will sell but based on first impressions I strongly believe they will gain trial by early adapters.

runninglogan1 - 4/28/2019 12:17:37 AM

-4 Boost

It's probably the coolest pickup truck ever, so yeah, it will sell.

skytop - 4/28/2019 4:09:49 AM

+3 Boost

I heard the Democrat candidates are promising a free Rivian to everyone who votes for crazy communist Bernie or creepy corrupt Joe Biden.

runninglogan1 - 4/28/2019 6:55:54 AM

-4 Boost

And yet you warship at the altar of your mendacious orange dear leader. Touching. Lol.

MDarringer - 4/28/2019 9:35:42 AM

+3 Boost

Do you use "mendacious" because you heard a racial-token president say it and you want to speak the code?

MDarringer - 4/28/2019 11:14:52 AM

+1 Boost

That assumes Rivian will produce vehicles.

SanJoseDriver - 4/29/2019 10:56:53 PM

+1 Boost

Real trucks? Wait until EV trucks are available. The ROI is even more compelling than cars/SUVs, especially for people that use trucks for work. Ford has to build an electric F150 or they are going to lose a crap ton of market share. Ask BMW how 3-series sales are doing right now.

SanJoseDriver - 5/1/2019 3:20:15 AM

+1 Boost

And for those that you will need so many batteries for trucks that they will not be cost effective... the Model X weighs the same as a F150 and get 325 miles of range. The battery costs Tesla about $15k (not the cells but the whole pack). Two high power motors are $3k each. For $21k you have a powertrain with plenty of range and sports car performance.