Check out this video of some R1T pickups at Rivian headquarters in Normal, Illinois hooked up to chargers or in a charging queue. These are likely owned by Rivian employees that were the first to take delivery.
First Customer-Owned R1T Pickups at Rivian HQ Parking Lot
Joined
·
2,718 Posts
Not that hard for them to look that way in videos and pictures like this.Nice, makes me wonder... how do they keep those cstomer trucks soooo clean? Hmmmmmmm?
Often new cars require paint correction to remove imperfections (swirl marks, minor scratches, orange peel, etc.) and is usually a good thing to do right after taking delivery, and especially ahead of applying PPF. It's amazing how much better cars look after getting that service done.
Here's a before and after of a brand new Model S.
Joined
·
74 Posts
Pretty sure that is Launch Green
Joined
·
335 Posts
Could this be a final PDI step before Rivian hands over the keys?
Just out of curiosity, why are these assumed to be customer cars, it looks like a regular parking lot for employees. It would surprise me if that is where they would queue customer vehicles.
Or by customer, was it meant to refer to employee-customer vehicles.
Or by customer, was it meant to refer to employee-customer vehicles.
Joined
·
9 Posts
Yeah, they all look like employee vehicles to me. Vehicles being prepared for delivery should all be around the back/inside rather than parked among employee vehicles.
In this context "customers" are likely Rivian employees that purchased R1T's, note "Temporary" lic plates vs. "transporter/Manufacturer" plates.
My point above about them being so clean was- they seem just a little too clean and possibly another staged/calculated PR opportunity like the "customer deliveries" we saw on Instagram earlier?
I have a sneaking suspicion that Rivian is not quite as naive/wholesome a company as the image they are trying to cultivate.
My point above about them being so clean was- they seem just a little too clean and possibly another staged/calculated PR opportunity like the "customer deliveries" we saw on Instagram earlier?
I have a sneaking suspicion that Rivian is not quite as naive/wholesome a company as the image they are trying to cultivate.
Joined
·
37 Posts
Here's a vid posted to Insta by a colleague of mine up in San Fran a few days ago
Her and her partner (yes - a Rivian employee) taking delivery of a shiny white R1T. I'm all for this period of employee validation, and for them carefully dialing in the manufacturing process.
For example, I believe we know the automatic tonneau cover had issues right through til post-Colorado media event. That was very recent. I'd rather they get that done right, than produce hundreds of potentially less-than-perfect tonneau mechanisms. I also viewed the R1T at the weekend in LA (Venice hub) and was generally blown away by the quality of the build, but some small things did stand out to me:
Can't wait for a test drive now Fingers crossed there'll be an LA announcement by Thanksgiving 🙏
Her and her partner (yes - a Rivian employee) taking delivery of a shiny white R1T. I'm all for this period of employee validation, and for them carefully dialing in the manufacturing process.
For example, I believe we know the automatic tonneau cover had issues right through til post-Colorado media event. That was very recent. I'd rather they get that done right, than produce hundreds of potentially less-than-perfect tonneau mechanisms. I also viewed the R1T at the weekend in LA (Venice hub) and was generally blown away by the quality of the build, but some small things did stand out to me:
- Exposed bolts (??) attaching the tonneau rail to the bed - which were already showing noticeable signs of corrosion (Rivian rep promptly responded, "yes - there are still some improvements being made"). That one didn't sit well, and made me wonder what other bolts would be corroding unseen.
![Computer keyboard Automotive lighting Sleeve Automotive tire Grey]()
- Spare wheel cover (i.e. the main part of the bed floor) didn't close flush - even after putting some force into it - as was suggested by the rep. Flush on the left side (where the latch lever is), but slightly raised on the right side.
- No drain hole in the frunk - just under the spare wheel below the bed. I feel like I'd prefer to use the frunk as a cooler rather than the spare wheel hole, but let's be honest - if I need cold drinks, I'll bring a darn cooler or a Dometic. Non-issue.
- Walking on the tonneau cover was not advised. Probably misinformation on my part, but I thought I'd read previously that the tonneau cover was able to bear some significant load. I could be wrong on that. No current verbiage suggesting this on the website, and I guess generally not a thing with tonneau covers.
- Water was leaking from the camp kitchen reservoir - into the gear tunnel (they were intentionally not pulling the kitchen all the way out, but I opened the other side for a look). This is another corrosion risk area for me, and so another thing to look after. I'm not buying camp kitchen, but it did look properly rad - as did the tent (which I also don't want; I'd want a hard shell for easier foldaway in inclement weather).
![Automotive lighting Hood Motor vehicle Automotive design Vehicle door]()
- Legroom in back seats was great, not so much foot room though. Anyone with bigger feet would struggle to be comfortable - as the space beneath the driver and passenger seat appears to be close to nothing at all. Maybe this is to accommodate the fancy air-conditioned seat hardware. On the up side, you won't build up a collection of empty
beersoda cans under there.
Can't wait for a test drive now
Fingers crossed there'll be an LA announcement by Thanksgiving 🙏
Joined
·
24 Posts
Fantastic! So good to see this type of detailed critique, @LindsayH. I do recall something similar about a weight-bearing tonneau cover, like supporting ~4 ft. of snow? Anyways, I've had a beast of a tonneau cover for my 2006 Ridgeline that I've never stepped foot on, even though it would probably support my too-much-pizza-eating weight. Just hoping it works as advertised without rust or mechanical issues.Here's a vid posted to Insta by a colleague of mine up in San Fran a few days ago
Her and her partner (yes - a Rivian employee) taking delivery of a shiny white R1T. I'm all for this period of employee validation, and for them carefully dialing in the manufacturing process.
For example, I believe we know the automatic tonneau cover had issues right through til post-Colorado media event. That was very recent. I'd rather they get that done right, than produce hundreds of potentially less-than-perfect tonneau mechanisms. I also viewed the R1T at the weekend in LA (Venice hub) and was generally blown away by the quality of the build, but some small things did stand out to me:
That's basically all I noted on the negative side. I loved the interior (Forest Edge and Black Mtn on display), the UI seemed great to me, and I'm sure I'll figure out the multi-purpose steering wheel controls. Truth be told, I never figured out some of the steering wheel controls on my Subey Outback. On the R1T, I'll be reading up on every little feature! Oh and that was super neat to see the instruction manual built into the center console as a menu item. I sure won't miss a glove box, and this was another justification for doing away with it. The passenger legroom is awesome, and it means they can pull seat forward if a rear passenger needs the extra legroom.
- Exposed bolts (??) attaching the tonneau rail to the bed - which were already showing noticeable signs of corrosion (Rivian rep promptly responded, "yes - there are still some improvements being made"). That one didn't sit well, and made me wonder what other bolts would be corroding unseen.
View attachment 3769
- Spare wheel cover (i.e. the main part of the bed floor) didn't close flush - even after putting some force into it - as was suggested by the rep. Flush on the left side (where the latch lever is), but slightly raised on the right side.
- No drain hole in the frunk - just under the spare wheel below the bed. I feel like I'd prefer to use the frunk as a cooler rather than the spare wheel hole, but let's be honest - if I need cold drinks, I'll bring a darn cooler or a Dometic. Non-issue.
- Walking on the tonneau cover was not advised. Probably misinformation on my part, but I thought I'd read previously that the tonneau cover was able to bear some significant load. I could be wrong on that. No current verbiage suggesting this on the website, and I guess generally not a thing with tonneau covers.
- Water was leaking from the camp kitchen reservoir - into the gear tunnel (they were intentionally not pulling the kitchen all the way out, but I opened the other side for a look). This is another corrosion risk area for me, and so another thing to look after. I'm not buying camp kitchen, but it did look properly rad - as did the tent (which I also don't want; I'd want a hard shell for easier foldaway in inclement weather).
View attachment 3770
- Legroom in back seats was great, not so much foot room though. Anyone with bigger feet would struggle to be comfortable - as the space beneath the driver and passenger seat appears to be close to nothing at all. Maybe this is to accommodate the fancy air-conditioned seat hardware. On the up side, you won't build up a collection of empty
beersoda cans under there.
Can't wait for a test drive now
Thank you for the mini-review @LindsayH ... so nice to see some real world comments by a non-gag order Rivian employee or reviewer afraid to lose privileges
Regarding the spare tire cover in the bed... that may prove problematic if it's got only one latch. I can't imagine that hatch aging well in the direct sun or even the high temps in a covered bed with a black tonneau cover. Can you say redesign?
Frunk drain hole is an easy fix.
Great work!!
Regarding the spare tire cover in the bed... that may prove problematic if it's got only one latch. I can't imagine that hatch aging well in the direct sun or even the high temps in a covered bed with a black tonneau cover. Can you say redesign?
Frunk drain hole is an easy fix.
Great work!!
Joined
·
37 Posts
It was a brief 10 minute sit that I got, and I'm a stickler for seat comfort, lumbar, etc - so i have to admit I didn't really consciously assess it - other than making sure it didn't feel horrible. I'd be looking at that on the test drive.
Joined
·
2,718 Posts
It sure seems like they are employee owned and I updated my OP to mention that.
Sorry everyone.
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
