Add Yours: R1S Owners Registry | R1S & R1T Order Tracker

They cant deliver to North Carolina because of dealership laws?

3443 Views 58 Replies 26 Participants Last post by Carolina Jim, 4 d ago

Bntexan

Discussion Starter · 1 mo ago

I just got my April Delivery Window Estimate and it basically says they cant deliver to NC because "Current state-level dealer protection laws prohibit us from opening a Rivian Service Center in your state"
I see Rivians here in Charlotte, so how does this work? Tesla doesnt have a problem selling and delivering here.
Any ideas? This seems rediculous...

We’re writing to provide context on how regulatory restrictions in your state are impacting your Rivian delivery and why we are unable to provide you with a delivery window estimate at this time.

Current state-level dealer protection laws prohibit us from opening a Rivian Service Center in your state. Without an accessible Rivian Service Center, we are unable to provide you with the ownership experience you deserve and that we demand.

We are working with officials at various levels of your state government on changing these restrictions, but at this time we cannot provide timing on when we will be able to provide service operations near you.

How can I help?
If you would like to see these restrictions lifted, write to [email protected] sharing your name, address and a sentence explaining your support for allowing direct service in your state. Our public policy team compiles these emails and shares them with relevant lawmakers.

We’ll be sure to provide updates on our progress. Thank you for your support.

Tony Caravano
Head of Rivian Customer Engagement 

41 - 59 of 59 Posts

btrav18

· #41 · 1 mo ago

We are all frustrated with the old dealer laws in NC. I wrote back to Rivian and asked why my neighbor was able to get his RT1 from Richmond just 8 weeks ago but I was not offered the same option for my RS1.
I suggested to them that instead of waiting years for legislation to change in this state, why couldn't they partner with a chain of Service Centers such as Goodyear or Firestone and certify them as authorized repair centers. I don't know if that workaround is legal or not but partnering seems to be the quickest path to getting consumers their cars.

I have had an Audi Etron for close to 4 years and have needed NO Service with the exception of new tires installed and one little recall. So I figured there shouldn't be a need for a lot of maintenance on these Rivians.

Reactions: 1

Mikeandy1

· #42 · 1 mo ago

I see a lot of Rivians on the road here in NC so there a lot people that have figured out a work around.

Reactions: 1

watchhand

· #43 · 29 d ago

I was told by Rivian that they expect a service center in NC before the end of this year. I took delivery of my R1T in March 2022. We are in the Raleigh area and yes there are plenty of Rivians around us. Our closest center is Richmond VA and they have been great to work with.

RIVIANNC

· #44 · 29 d ago

btrav18 said:
We are all frustrated with the old dealer laws in NC. I wrote back to Rivian and asked why my neighbor was able to get his RT1 from Richmond just 8 weeks ago but I was not offered the same option for my RS1.
I suggested to them that instead of waiting years for legislation to change in this state, why couldn't they partner with a chain of Service Centers such as Goodyear or Firestone and certify them as authorized repair centers. I don't know if that workaround is legal or not but partnering seems to be the quickest path to getting consumers their cars.

I have had an Audi Etron for close to 4 years and have needed NO Service with the exception of new tires installed and one little recall. So I figured there shouldn't be a need for a lot of maintenance on these Rivians.

watchhand said:
I was told by Rivian that they expect a service center in NC before the end of this year. I took delivery of my R1T in March 2022. We are in the Raleigh area and yes there are plenty of Rivians around us. Our closest center is Richmond VA and they have been great to work with.

Agree 100%. I've spoken to someone that took delivery of R1Ts (here in CLT) a month or so ago, yet nothing on my R1S. I've stated my frustration already on this, but these "antiquated" dealer-protections in various states (I believe at least 9 states) is nothing new. They existed when Rivian took my reservation in mid-2021 and were still in place in Apr 2022 when I was given a Sep 2022 delivery estimate. So, there is NO excuse for Rivian's lack of transparency/communication; very frustrating. As a shareholder and potential owner, it's disappointing to think that despite being started 14 years ago, didn't think of this issue. An issue, btw, which isn't just about the purchase of new cars, but also the service of existing owners who may have moved from State to State or who buy a used Rivian from an out-of-state owner.

As for a way to deliver a direct-to-consumer EV, other companies have successfully done that to these 9+ States. My Lucid was delivered on time (actually 3 weeks earlier than estimated) in NC with no issue. They provide service via Mobile Techs and my closest Service Center is in Tysons Corner, VA (the folks there have been very accommodating). I also fully expect my Fisker Ocean One to be delivered around September and to address service, they've partnered with other companies (Cox Automotive for mobile and Bridgestone for service centers).

So, it CAN be done!

That said, I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope I don't have to go to Plan B or Plan C for my wife's SUV needs.

See less See more

Lynn

· #45 · 28 d ago

My R1S was delivered to Corolla, NC from the Richmond service center.

RIVIANNC

· #46 · 28 d ago

Lynn said:
My R1S was delivered to Corolla, NC from the Richmond service center.

Congrats!

When did they deliver it ?
Had you been put on "Processing Estimate" hold prior to that?
When did you put in your reservation?

(just trying to figure out if there is hope down the road .. thx)

Khmccrocklin

· #47 · 25 d ago

O. horridus said:
OK, now I see. You're a short seller. It's all about the stocks for you.

You claim to have gone to business school, but from your statements it's clear you fail to understand some of the basics of business, not to mention how startups work, and I'm not interested in teaching you.

You seem to know all about the dealership laws, yet you went ahead and placed an order and are now pissed that it's "delayed"? Go ahead and blame Rivian for your misktaken and ridiculous expectations. I hope it makes you feel better to think it's not your fault or the fault of the people of the great state of Louisiana. Meanwhile, I'll continue to drive and enjoy my R1T - 10k miles so far with no problems. I got mine, sucks to be you I guess.

Lynn

· #48 · 21 d ago

RIVIANNC said:
Congrats!

When did they deliver it ?
Had you been put on "Processing Estimate" hold prior to that?
When did you put in your reservation?

(just trying to figure out if there is hope down the road .. thx)

It was delivered on May 15th. It was on "Processing Estimate" till then. In fact, I had a received an email just a week or so before telling me thay couldn't give me a time frame because of where I lived. Then I got a call saying it was in Richmond and I should start the 8 step purchasing process. I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth so I didn't question it. I hope you experience a similar surprise.

I don't remember the exact date, but I reserved it about 3 years ago. It is a launch model.

Reactions: 1

RIVIANNC

· #49 · 21 d ago

Lynn said:
It was delivered on May 15th. It was on "Processing Estimate" till then. In fact, I had a received an email just a week or so before telling me thay couldn't give me a time frame because of where I lived. Then I got a call saying it was in Richmond and I should start the 8 step purchasing process. I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth so I didn't question it. I hope you experience a similar surprise.

I don't remember the exact date, but I reserved it about 3 years ago. It is a launch model.

Wow .. congrats .. was that May 15 of last year?

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Lastly, how do you like it so far?

MikesRivian

· #50 · 21 d ago

EVRider said:
You live in a state that doesn't want you to own a Rivian and you blame Rivian because they can't change the way your state does business? And then you want Rivian to provide you with "references" from people telling you everything is going to be alright?

Seems to me that things won't get any better if you do get a Rivian. You know you won't be able to service the vehicle easily. You've convinced yourself Rivian doesn't know how to do business and is untrustworthy. Just cancel your order now and save yourself the grief.

Just cancelled my order - feel great!!!👍

Reactions: 1

Michael

· #51 · 8 d ago

btrav18 said:
We are all frustrated with the old dealer laws in NC. I wrote back to Rivian and asked why my neighbor was able to get his RT1 from Richmond just 8 weeks ago but I was not offered the same option for my RS1.
I suggested to them that instead of waiting years for legislation to change in this state, why couldn't they partner with a chain of Service Centers such as Goodyear or Firestone and certify them as authorized repair centers. I don't know if that workaround is legal or not but partnering seems to be the quickest path to getting consumers their cars.

I have had an Audi Etron for close to 4 years and have needed NO Service with the exception of new tires installed and one little recall. So I figured there shouldn't be a need for a lot of maintenance on these Rivians.

Service at the Richmond location is lack luster so far my vehicle has been there for a day and a half with no progress on a fix. They shut down at 6pm everyday with no 3rd shift to work on vehicles! We are from NC and are paying 200$ a night waiting on my vehicle. They sent us to Enterprise immediately when we got there without any word on when they would get to my Truck.

Michael

· #52 · 6 d ago

btrav18 said:
We are all frustrated with the old dealer laws in NC. I wrote back to Rivian and asked why my neighbor was able to get his RT1 from Richmond just 8 weeks ago but I was not offered the same option for my RS1.
I suggested to them that instead of waiting years for legislation to change in this state, why couldn't they partner with a chain of Service Centers such as Goodyear or Firestone and certify them as authorized repair centers. I don't know if that workaround is legal or not but partnering seems to be the quickest path to getting consumers their cars.

I have had an Audi Etron for close to 4 years and have needed NO Service with the exception of new tires installed and one little recall. So I figured there shouldn't be a need for a lot of maintenance on these Rivians.

I took delivery in Oct ,22 of my R1-T in Winston Salem NC delivered from the Richmond Service center . I was just there this past week getting recall and service done, and saw two different families picking up their new R1S ‘s I also saw about 100 Rivians in the back parking lot. You might be able to drive to Richmond Va and pickup it seems they have a ton of deliveries to make!

RwunderTruck

· #53 · 6 d ago

Yes, if you’re willing to risk being out of the mobile service area, you can simply move your delivery address to somewhere within 120-180 miles of a service center. If not, just sit tight. It’ll be a while.

Carolina Jim

· #54 · 5 d ago

I only see two solutions for North Carolina. Either the state changes laws or exceptions to allow direct sales or Rivian changes to the legal dealership model in North Carolina. Most all other manufacturers do business in North Carolina. I feel Rivian is going to have to do a lot of adapting to be a legitimate car manufacturer in the entire United States. Rivian is choosing to do business only one way, even if it cost them customers.

RIVIANNC

· #55 · 5 d ago

Carolina Jim said:
I only see two solutions for North Carolina. Either the state changes laws or exceptions to allow direct sales or Rivian changes to the legal dealership model in North Carolina. Most all other manufacturers do business in North Carolina. I feel Rivian is going to have to do a lot of adapting to be a legitimate car manufacturer in the entire United States. Rivian is choosing to do business only one way, even if it cost them customers.

The problem with the State changing laws, even if it were to happen tomorrow (which, obviously will not happen), Rivian has no plans for a Sevice Center in the State for the foreseeable future. So, unless Rivian adopts a different model for supporting those folks that live outside their current (and planned) SCs, people (like me) who live in those areas not w/in X miles, AND those folks that move to areas outside that range, will not be serviced by Rivian (shy of bringing your vehicle to the nearest SC yourself).

Carolina Jim

· #56 · 5 d ago

Bntexan said:
I just got my April Delivery Window Estimate and it basically says they cant deliver to NC because "Current state-level dealer protection laws prohibit us from opening a Rivian Service Center in your state"
I see Rivians here in Charlotte, so how does this work? Tesla doesnt have a problem selling and delivering here.
Any ideas? This seems rediculous...

We’re writing to provide context on how regulatory restrictions in your state are impacting your Rivian delivery and why we are unable to provide you with a delivery window estimate at this time.

Current state-level dealer protection laws prohibit us from opening a Rivian Service Center in your state. Without an accessible Rivian Service Center, we are unable to provide you with the ownership experience you deserve and that we demand.

We are working with officials at various levels of your state government on changing these restrictions, but at this time we cannot provide timing on when we will be able to provide service operations near you.

How can I help?
If you would like to see these restrictions lifted, write to [email protected] sharing your name, address and a sentence explaining your support for allowing direct service in your state. Our public policy team compiles these emails and shares them with relevant lawmakers.

We’ll be sure to provide updates on our progress. Thank you for your support.

Tony Caravano
Head of Rivian Customer Engagement 

I was wondering what is preventing Rivian from opening one or two dealership locations in North Carolina so that you can do business in the state?

Carolina Jim

· #57 · 5 d ago

RIVIANNC said:
The problem with the State changing laws, even if it were to happen tomorrow (which, obviously will not happen), Rivian has no plans for a Sevice Center in the State for the foreseeable future. So, unless Rivian adopts a different model for supporting those folks that live outside their current (and planned) SCs, people (like me) who live in those areas not w/in X miles, AND those folks that move to areas outside that range, will not be serviced by Rivian (shy of bringing your vehicle to the nearest SC yourself).

They may not be planning a service center to an area where they know they can’t put one.

RIVIANNC

· #58 · 5 d ago

Carolina Jim said:
They may not be planning a service center to an area where they know they can’t put one.

Yup .. that's my point .. w/o a different approach, and w/ SCs planned thru 2025, it makes my delivery unlikely for years to come [which I have pretty much accepted at this point].

Carolina Jim

· #59 · 4 d ago

RIVIANNC said:
Yup .. that's my point .. w/o a different approach, and w/ SCs planned thru 2025, it makes my delivery unlikely for years to come [which I have pretty much accepted at this point].

I totally agree but have trouble with anyone wanting to be a major player having states
off the table. I have learned there is always a solution but it unfortunately it is decided by $$$.

41 - 59 of 59 Posts