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66 Posts
Let me start with this, everyone has their own opinion and this is mine.
I do not think it is wise for Rivian to show their cards until they are ready to hold a launch event. The longer they hold the information, the better they will be against the competitors. Take for example, if they had some killer application for the bed of the truck. Sure, they could let the whole world know about it and Ford/GM/Tesla/Lucid would know what they have to compete against. Sure, we consumers are happy that we have another piece of the information, but so does the competition. Now, let's expand it to the suspension next week and the infotainment the week after, then the options following that, etc. As you can see, eventually everything will be leaked and there will be no surprises.
I am one of those people who LOVE to see new products introduced by any manufacture in ANY industry. It is fun to see all the wiz-bang features that they have and how they stand out from the competition. As more leaks happen, my excitement actually fades. Another example is cell phones. Let's use Apple for this one. They used to be really good at keeping information private until the launch. That is how the iPhone became the product that everyone "needed". Now, whatever generation they will launch next will be fully covered by the internet forums and every detail will be known before Apple even announces the date of a launch event. I no longer watch the Apple events.
As for those threatening to cancel their pre-order and walk away, please do. This will allow me to get my R1T sooner.
I promise that Rivian will not take your $80K and make you buy a truck that has not been fully released. We will know everything (maybe 1 or 2 small surprises) before making a purchase decision. And as for needing to know details and committing to your R1T before production begins, that is not necessary. They can build hundreds or thousands of R1T LE on the assembly line with LE Green paint and then reach out to the pre-orders. There are really only 3 options for Launch Edition (Color, Wheel, Interior). If they start with LE Green, then you are down to the wheel and interior combinations. Realistically, I doubt there will be many Ocean Coast interiors with LE Green. Split production 60/40 (or 70/30) with Black Mountain and Forest Edge. Now you are down to wheels. I think this is the biggest variable. People love wheels but hate paying for them. So, build most with the "free" option 21" Road and maybe 20% with the light 20" and 22" wheels and 10% with the dark 20" and 22". But what about the other colors? Those will come soon after. Rivian needs to focus on the majority and get that started. IF there are more pre-orders of another color, then maybe that will be the color they start with. They will choose the most efficient production lines and that's where it will start.
Let's go back to Apple for this next one. How cool would it be for Rivian to have a big Launch Party / Reveal of the R1T, and lay everything out for the world to know, including price and options? Then, RJ would make some claim that they are available TOMORROW (for pre-order holders). That would cause a frenzy in the industry. Not only have they played their card regarding what they have, but making it available immediately would send a statement to the industry that Rivian is here to stay.
I do not think it is wise for Rivian to show their cards until they are ready to hold a launch event. The longer they hold the information, the better they will be against the competitors. Take for example, if they had some killer application for the bed of the truck. Sure, they could let the whole world know about it and Ford/GM/Tesla/Lucid would know what they have to compete against. Sure, we consumers are happy that we have another piece of the information, but so does the competition. Now, let's expand it to the suspension next week and the infotainment the week after, then the options following that, etc. As you can see, eventually everything will be leaked and there will be no surprises.
I am one of those people who LOVE to see new products introduced by any manufacture in ANY industry. It is fun to see all the wiz-bang features that they have and how they stand out from the competition. As more leaks happen, my excitement actually fades. Another example is cell phones. Let's use Apple for this one. They used to be really good at keeping information private until the launch. That is how the iPhone became the product that everyone "needed". Now, whatever generation they will launch next will be fully covered by the internet forums and every detail will be known before Apple even announces the date of a launch event. I no longer watch the Apple events.
As for those threatening to cancel their pre-order and walk away, please do. This will allow me to get my R1T sooner.
I promise that Rivian will not take your $80K and make you buy a truck that has not been fully released. We will know everything (maybe 1 or 2 small surprises) before making a purchase decision. And as for needing to know details and committing to your R1T before production begins, that is not necessary. They can build hundreds or thousands of R1T LE on the assembly line with LE Green paint and then reach out to the pre-orders. There are really only 3 options for Launch Edition (Color, Wheel, Interior). If they start with LE Green, then you are down to the wheel and interior combinations. Realistically, I doubt there will be many Ocean Coast interiors with LE Green. Split production 60/40 (or 70/30) with Black Mountain and Forest Edge. Now you are down to wheels. I think this is the biggest variable. People love wheels but hate paying for them. So, build most with the "free" option 21" Road and maybe 20% with the light 20" and 22" wheels and 10% with the dark 20" and 22". But what about the other colors? Those will come soon after. Rivian needs to focus on the majority and get that started. IF there are more pre-orders of another color, then maybe that will be the color they start with. They will choose the most efficient production lines and that's where it will start.Let's go back to Apple for this next one. How cool would it be for Rivian to have a big Launch Party / Reveal of the R1T, and lay everything out for the world to know, including price and options? Then, RJ would make some claim that they are available TOMORROW (for pre-order holders). That would cause a frenzy in the industry. Not only have they played their card regarding what they have, but making it available immediately would send a statement to the industry that Rivian is here to stay.
