Rivian's off-roading adventure disrupts EVs

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Greetings adventure seekers!

Welcome to a bonus edition of Yes &, where I'll be featuring a deep dive on one brand to watch!

While everyone has been hung up on that Calvin Klein ad this week, I stepped into a Rivian store for the first time. The shop has recently opened in my neighborhood and I was instantly hooked on the new concept for auto retail!

I'm not much of a car person TBH, and can't remember a time when I paid any attention to a car brand - save for my brief romantic affair with MINI in the early 2010s. Here's what I found out upon taking a closer look at the Irvine- based brand transforming the EV landscape.

First, some notable highlights...

• Founded in 2009 by an MIT graduate with a vision for a new kind of sustainable Autocar that would challenge the traditional car industry.
• Unlike many startups rushing to market, the company focused on R&D for 10 years to perfect its designs, adopting a methodical approach to ensure its vehicles could compete on performance and range.
• They've raised $10.5 billion since 2019, with revenue of $1.66 billion (2022). The company IPO'd in late 2021 with a current valuation of $100 billion.??
• In the first half of 2023, Rivian experienced a staggering 200% year-over-year growth, outpacing all other car manufacturers.
• While Tesla and Elon Musk grab headlines, Rivian has quietly gained popularity for customers looking for a Tesla-alternative, and focused on creating a holistic ecosystem of electric vehicles designed for the outdoors.?
• Rivian's retail locations break away from the conventional car dealerships, prioritizing lifestyle and experience. In Groveland, near Yosemite National Park, a former gas station now serves as a Rivian retail hub, complete with merchandise, EV charging, and a playground.

Rivian's Winning Moves

Here's where the brand is getting it right:

• Positioning for Adventure: Rivian distinguishes itself by catering to adventure enthusiasts, blending ruggedness with sustainability. The commitment to perfection and quality aligns seamlessly with the brand's narrative of exploration and innovation. Even the retail environments feature trip planning services and tips for taking your EV out on the open road.
• Sleek Utilitarian Design: Both the R1S and R1T are incredibly sleek and distinctive (once they're on your radar, you start noticing them everywhere), and have pretty impressive off-road abilities. Rivian has designed nearly every part of its vehicles with utility in mind too. Between the gear tunnel that becomes a stepping stool (with a first aid kit built in), a popout flashlight in the driver side car, a removable bluetooth speaker, and an air compressor (which apparently is a thing you need for off-roading), this car is like a Swiss army knife.?
• Strategic Alliances: Beyond manufacturing, Rivian's alliances with the likes of Ford and Amazon showcase strategic vision. The collaboration with Amazon, a substantial order for electric delivery vans, positions Rivian as a key player in the EV market.
• Holistic Business Model: Rivian doesn't just sell vehicles; it offers a comprehensive experience. Beyond EVs, Rivian generates revenue through services, reflecting its commitment to being a sustainable transportation solutions provider.

Room for improvement...

There's always some kinks to work out with startups - here's where the brand is experiencing setbacks.

• Recalls: Just over a year ago, the company experienced a massive recall (12,000 of the 14,000 cars it had delivered) over a 'collapsing wheel'. To its credit, Rivian initiated the recall very conservatively, despite the fact that there were only a small percentage of cars that were ultimately defective. Classy move, if you ask me.
• Price:?At $80,000 average, the price point eliminates a large portion of the market. However,?Rivian plans to democratize EVs with the upcoming R2 platform in 2026, introducing more affordable SUVs and pickups starting at $40,000.
• Reviews:?There are detailed customer complaints like this one that reflect some of the design and manufacturing bugs - which is not unusual for any new car company. With the transparency and discernment of social media users, it is simply a tougher environment to innovate from.?
• Stock Slides:?The stock is down slightly since this time last year, likely due to the decline in deliveries in Q4. However, Rivian is well-positioned to sell many more of its delivery vans and orders for the upcoming (more affordable) SUV are likely to boost the stock again according to Investor Place .?

?What other brands can learn from Rivian...

• Invest in Brand: Align product differentiator with a unique point of view (in Rivian's case, highlighting an adventurous lifestyle while most EV companies show cityscapes and suburbs). Project that POV, not just in your marketing and comms, but in everything you do to build a strong and authentic brand identity.
• Strategic Alliances: Forge partnerships that bring complementary strengths to the table, enhancing credibility and opening additional avenues for growth.
• Reverse Engineer Headlines: Craft narratives that align with your audience's interests, generating headlines that capture attention and showcase your brand's commitment.
• Rethink Retail Spaces: Reinvent the traditional retail space, creating immersive environments that emphasize the lifestyle and values associated with your products. Retail spaces can be hubs for brand engagement and community building above and beyond places to sell.

Thanks for reading!?

Cheers,

Robyn

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Forward to a forward thinking friend and follow for more!

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