Rivian was founded in 2009 by MIT graduate and CEO Robert Scaringe. Originally named Avera, the name was changed shortly after to Rivian. The company began focusing on autonomous, electric vehicles in 2011.
The company relocated to Liviona, Michigan, to be closer to suppliers. Rivian began working exclusively on electric, autonomous vehicles.
In 2016, it was rumored that the company was considering purchasing a manufacturing plant previously owned by Mitsubishi in Illinois. In 2017, Rivian did purchase both the plant and the contents for $16 million. This plant in Normal, Illinois, has become Rivian’s primary North American manufacturing facility.
In February 2019, Amazon announced that it was investing in the company for delivery vans, as well as Ford Motor Company, which invested $500 million.
As of late 2019, the company employed more than 1,000 persons. Rivian says it will not use franchised dealers to sell their vehicles. Rather, the company has hinted that it will instead rely on a subscription service.
The company maintains headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan.
Rivian was founded in 2009 by MIT graduate and CEO Robert Scaringe. Originally named Avera, the name was changed shortly after to Rivian. The company began focusing on autonomous, electric vehicles in 2011.
The company relocated to Liviona, Michigan, to be closer to suppliers. Rivian began working exclusively on electric, autonomous vehicles.
In 2016, it was rumored that the company was considering purchasing a manufacturing plant previously owned by Mitsubishi in Illinois. In 2017, Rivian did purchase both the plant and the contents for $16 million. This plant in Normal, Illinois, has become Rivian’s primary North American manufacturing facility.
History
In February 2019, Amazon announced that it was investing in the company for delivery vans, as well as Ford Motor Company, which invested $500 million.
As of late 2019, the company employed more than 1,000 persons. Rivian says it will not use franchised dealers to sell their vehicles. Rather, the company has hinted that it will instead rely on a subscription service.
The company maintains headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan.