Sure, delays are frustrating, but really, if the September or even November date is realistic for deliveries, considering all that's gone on in the world that nobody could have expected, to only be 3-5 months off on their estimate!!! All of the big manufacturers are experiencing delays too. 3-5 months, isn't that bad at all for a start up company that's been working on these cars for years now. Yes, any delay sucks, but in the grand scheme of things, 3-5 months is nothing. Tesla has never been within 3-5 months of their estimates and they've been in production for 9 years. Time will tell if they make it by September or November. But if they do, we should praise them rather than complain.
Agreed. When we all placed a deposit down to reserve one of these EAVs, we also took on the risk that there could be delays (among many other things) ... even under the best of conditions. We are STILL in mist of a pandemic that has affected the global economy and clearly Rivian, it's supply partners, and then their supply partners and so on, have not been exempt. There are factors beyond Rivian's control, which now also includes a microchip shortage. RJ touches on all of this:
There are many reasons why our production ramp is taking longer than expected. The cascading impacts of the pandemic have had a compounding effect greater than anyone anticipated. Everything from facility construction, to equipment installation, to vehicle component supply (especially semiconductors) has been impacted by the pandemic. Beyond these unforeseen challenges, launching three new vehicles while setting up a multi-vehicle manufacturing plant is a complex orchestra of coordinated and interlinked activities where small issues can translate into ramp delays.
I had, and continue, to adjust my expectations. And TBH, what RJ wrote is about what I expected. Do I wish he provided more more detail, certainly, but not surprised there isn't in this highly competitive industry. I'm a relatively early R1S LE reservation holder. I shifted my expectation months ago that I wouldn't take delivery until 2022. Was I hoping Rivian would be less affected and be able to start producing vehicles when they said, absolutely! I can either complain and/or cancel my reservation or stick with them by continuing to support them. That doesn't mean I'm not going to provide critical feedback to them, in forums, etc., like with their lack of communications, which RJ has admitted to that they need to do a better job of in that area. We shall see. But in the meantime, they still have my support. When I feel it's no longer warranted, I cancel my reservation, wish Rivian well and walk away, but I'm not there yet. Perhaps other have reached that point, which is fine, we all have different situations and need to proceed accordingly.
