The GREAT Debate: Is Rivian Setting Itself Up To Become The FISKER Of The Truck Market?

A company that's done zero to 60 over the past 12 months is Rivian.

I am pretty sure there's not one other company that has gone from "Who" to the A list so fast. But, just because Rivian's getting a ton of attention right now doesn't mean it'll mean a successful future.

In fact, we've seen this play out before. Especially when electric vehicles are involved.

Take, for example, Fisker. Henrik Fisker's company was riding on super high media attention. But when his coachbuilt cars didn't connect with the market and Fisker turned its attention to EVs, it was a second helping of more of the same. The Fisker Karma was a dud upon arrival.

It's a shame, really. Henrik turned out legendary designs and is a nice guy. But, that's hockey.

The hot company of today is Rivian, which has received funding from both Amazon and Ford to produce its EV trucks. But, deliveries are expected to begin late 2020 as a 2021 model.

By that point, however, Tesla may already have a truck on the market though. And, we're thinking it's going to be something that puts the Ford F-150 Raptor to shame. It's going to be a badass truck rather than something quirky like the Rivian — its exterior kind of reminds of something from Subaru.

Having said that, we've got to ask: Is Rivian setting itself up to become the FISKER of the pick-up truck market?

SanJoseDriver - 5/13/2019 3:08:41 AM

-5 Boost

Spec-wise the Fisker Karma was dead on arrival. If Rivian, pulls off the specs they are claiming, the whole market will be scrambling to compete. This will force Tesla to up their game on their upcoming truck as well, which is a good thing.

runninglogan1 - 5/13/2019 4:55:40 AM

+4 Boost

Looks like a winner to me.

deaHelkcunK - 5/13/2019 7:36:37 AM

+3 Boost

I think this truck looks great, perfect size for todays congestion. I like how Rivian has kept a lid on everything until they had an actual running ready for production prototype. I think that just by bringing an SUV and pickup to market they're actually selling what people are currently wanting/buying. The sheer number of deposits on their vehicles confirms this. I can't say that Fisker was similar in many of these respects. All in all, a bad comparison.

bnilhome - 5/13/2019 8:16:40 AM

+3 Boost

I think Rivian is going to take off. Their CEO is a very smart guy and seems humble and is taking the right steps to rollout this new brand. While I don't love the headlights, the rest of the vehicle looks nice and has amazing specs.

MDarringer - 5/13/2019 8:26:44 AM

-1 Boost

Fisker is is synonymous with total failure in the automotive market, so yes, I think Rivian will be likewise.

Once before, Rivian promised imminent production of EVs that were supposedly game changing and then the plans went poof.

There simply is NO WAY that a company that has no experience in building and designing vehicles is going to produce an EV pickup that in one fell swoop obliterates the F150, Silverado, Sierra, and Ram in one fell swoop. It just won't happen.

If Rivian--or Tesla for that matter--bring a pickup to market, it will cost double the price of a comparable ICE pickup and most decidedly will not have the same capabilities.

deaHelkcunK - 5/13/2019 8:48:30 AM

+3 Boost

I'm pretty sure the same statement was made towards Ferry Porsche, Enzo Ferrari and Hendry Ford. The only thing I can agree with you on is that "they will most decidedly not have the same capabilities" Torque, HP, Towing, NVH,PTO,emissions....

PUGPROUD - 5/13/2019 11:58:24 AM

0 Boost

Saw these models at NY Auto Show last month...impressive!

Deutschland - 5/13/2019 4:21:55 PM

0 Boost

I hear Hendry Ford was a real enjoyable fella to be around

mre30 - 5/13/2019 5:50:47 PM

0 Boost

They are not a real company until we start seeing camo'd prototypes driving around and there is a launch date set. Otherwise, Rivian is vaporware.

#NotReal

MDarringer - 5/13/2019 7:24:42 PM

0 Boost

And even then...Tesla loves vaporware $35K Model 3 for everyone...NOPE

SanJoseDriver - 5/14/2019 1:33:11 AM

+2 Boost

The $35k Model 3 is very much a thing, and there is no wait to get one.

SanJoseDriver - 5/15/2019 2:45:38 AM

+1 Boost

Well, now it is the $35,400 Model 3--slight price increase