logo
Despite VW JV and New Cargo Van, Rivian Expects a Challenging 2025

Despite VW JV and New Cargo Van, Rivian Expects a Challenging 2025

Yahoo24-02-2025

Rivian produced 49,476 vehicles in 2024 and delivered a total of 51,579 but is forecasting a slight decline in 2025 owing to multiple factors.
The EV maker expects a "challenging demand environment" in 2025, also citing changes to government regulations and policies, which are expected to include the demise of the $7,500 tax credit.
Rivian is getting ready for the start of R2 production in 2026, which will consume some financial resources and factory prep time later this year.
Rivian is one of just a handful of EV startups from the 2010s that have survived into the present day, making the perilous journey from concept to mass production. But surviving into 2025 does not necessarily mean smooth sailing.
The EV maker revealed its fourth quarter results a few days ago, hitting generally positive notes headlined by achieving a gross profit of $170 million. The EV maker also saw record revenues in 2024, and it cited the sale of regulatory credits along with higher average selling prices of its R1 models, among other factors.
The automaker said it produced 49,476 vehicles in 2024 and delivered 51,579.
"In 2024 more than 1 billion packages were delivered by Amazon in the Rivian Electric Delivery Van (EDV) in the US alone," the EV maker noted, adding that it had begun to offer its smaller Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) to non-fleet commercial buyers earlier this month, such as small businesses.
Rivian also entered into a joint venture with VW in 2024, with a deal worth up to $5.8 billion that will bring Rivian tech to Volkswagen's Scout brand, in addition to other goals.
But there are still a few clouds on the horizon when it comes to repeating this feat this year.
"We believe external factors could impact our 2025 expectations, including changes to government policies and regulations, and a challenging demand environment," the automaker said in a letter to shareholders. "While uncertainties persist, we remain focused on executing against our key value drivers and are confident in electrifying the world in the long term."
It's not too hard to guess just what regulatory challenges Rivian expects to see this year, with the fate of the $7,500 tax credit being just one of the factors.
That credit is still expected to depart, perhaps quite abruptly, though the specific timing of its demise remains uncertain. Other automakers are already factoring in the loss of federal incentives sometime in 2025 in their outlook for this year.
In citing a challenging demand environment, Rivian is referring to the slowdown in EV sales that began in late 2023, prompting quite a few automaker to drop prices repeatedly over the course of several weeks and months, as the EV adoption rate in the US showed signs of plateauing.
Rivian has not been immune to this trend, though it has navigated it better than some other, much larger automakers.
But as a result, Rivian cautions that it expects to deliver 46,000 to 51,000 vehicles in 2025, just a bit south of the number delivered in 2024.
"Rivian's guidance represents management's current view on potential adjustments to incentives, regulations, and tariff structures," the automaker noted, hinting at the remaining uncertainty in regards to tariffs that could produce one of the most consequential shake-ups in the EV industry's short history.
The Trump administration has indicated in recent days that tariffs of approximately 25% will be levied on imported automobiles as soon as April 2, 2025, but is expected to clarify the matter sometime prior to or on that precise date.
Rivian does not have a manufacturing footprint outside the US, but it could easily suffer various downstream effects of the imposed tariffs that will affect vehicle component suppliers.
Rivian also expects to see expenses relating to the planned start of R2 production in 2026, which will affect its financial resources later this year, though should pay healthy dividends in 2026 when deliveries start.
"We recently completed our first tooling trials for some of the key stamped body panels," the automaker noted. "The R2 body has been heavily optimized around cost with a focus on minimizing complexity. For example, the R2 utilizes a number of large high-pressure die castings to eliminate parts and connection points."
In preparation for the start of production, the EV maker's plant in Normal, Illinois, is expected to see some preparatory work and some footprint expansion.
Ahead of the R2 launch, Rivian will also grow its service network with plans to open 30 new service locations through the course of the year.
Rivian is certainly not alone in expecting a rocky 2025, but we have a feeling that some of the more consequential events for the EV industry will be ones not anticipated by automakers at the moment.
Will the departure of the $7,500 tax credit affect purchasing decisions for buyers of EVs priced above the $60,000 mark? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

GMC Hummer EV Quietly Loses Apple CarPlay For 2026
GMC Hummer EV Quietly Loses Apple CarPlay For 2026

The Drive

time40 minutes ago

  • The Drive

GMC Hummer EV Quietly Loses Apple CarPlay For 2026

The latest car news, reviews, and features. GM wasn't kidding around, it has no interest in an Apple CarPlay future, at least not in its EVs. Buried in the 2026 GMC Hummer EV fleet vehicle order guides is a nugget of news that the hulking electric SUV and truck will lose wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Pour one out for smartphone mirroring and actual Apple Music onscreen interface usage. The Drive reached out to GM for comment and will update this story if or when we hear back. The GMC Hummer EV launched for the 2022 model year at the tail end of 2021. The SUV variant arrived in 2023. Both versions launched with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The end was in sight not long after. In 2023, just two months after the SUV model went into production, GM announced its new EVs would not have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting in 2024. Predictably, consumers were not amused and the people want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GM has claimed all along this is about the user experience and not having to flip in and out of various interfaces. It's the same argument Rivian and Tesla have used throughout, through, notably, those two automakers have eschewed the usage of buttons and have almost all controls locked into the onscreen interface. It's a key difference. Also different: Both Tesla and Rivian have natively integrated the Apple Music app, among others while not relying on the Google Play store. At the time of the announcement in 2023, then Executive Director of Digital Cockpit Experience Mike Hermiche told Reuters, 'we have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation.' Hermiche also said, 'we don't want to design these features in a way that are dependent on a person having a cellphone.' To date, these features had yet to appear. For 2026 GM's Super Cruiser hands-free driver-assist system is said to integrate with Google Maps to navigate the correct lane for a chosen route . GM's latest infotainment systems run on Android Automotive OS, which also has the Google Store built in for native apps such as Spotify and Pandora. The system also features built-in navigation via Google Maps. Bluetooth streaming works, but is a mess with Apple Music. The rollout of moving away from Apple CarPlay has been a little messy. The Hummer EVs launched with CarPlay as did the Cadillac Lyriq, the latter of which we don't know what 2026 will bring, yet. While the Lyriq's cousins, the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV arrived without CarPlay, ironically, the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, both of which are reskinned Blazer and Lyriq twins, launched with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Consumers wanted CarPlay in their Blazer EV so badly an aftermarket solution was whipped up. GM claimed it was 'unauthorized' and 'could affect critical safety features.' The automaker shut the retrofit kit down. The 2026 GMC Hummer will lose the CarPlay and Android Auto, but it's gaining King Crab mode, which GM said all Hummer EVs will get thanks to an over-the-air software update. The King Crab model is said to turn the rear wheel faster than the front wheels for extra maneuverability in tight spaces. Though, this will only be standard on the 2X and 3X trims. The new Carbon Fiber Edition Pickup is even quicker then the already quick Hummer EVs thanks to revised software dropping the 0-60 mph sprint to 2.8 seconds. Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@

Top 10 Illustration designing Agencies in 2025
Top 10 Illustration designing Agencies in 2025

Time Business News

timean hour ago

  • Time Business News

Top 10 Illustration designing Agencies in 2025

By 2025, the global illustration design market is anticipated to grow to a value of $6.5 billion. This is due to the fact that more individuals want to clearly express tales using computers, marketing, and brand marketing. American Digital Publishers is the undisputed winner in this category. The businesses listed below are notable for their excellence, expansion, and satisfied clients. 1. American Digital Publishers – The #1 Book Publishing Service for Aspiring Bestsellers Key Stats: Founded: 2011 Headquarters: Ashburn, Virginia, USA Client Satisfaction Rate: 97% Books Published (2024): 4,000+ Top Platforms Reached: Amazon, Apple Books, Google Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble Average Book Launch Time: 10–14 business days Services: Book Writing (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Biographies, Romance, Children's Books) Professional Book Editing Children Book Illustration Services Custom Book Cover Design Full-Service Publishing & Distribution Strategic Book Marketing Author Branding & Promotion Ebook and Print Publishing American Digital Publishers leads the way in turning manuscripts into bestselling titles. With expert writers, editors, and designers, they offer a complete solution from ghostwriting to publishing on Amazon and Apple Books. Their creative team delivers standout covers and marketing assets that make books shine. By blending editorial quality with smart publishing and promotion, they ensure every book gets the spotlight it deserves. In 2025, they remain a top choice for first-time and self-publishing authors, helping bring every story to life professionally and powerfully. 2. DKNG Studios – Design-Driven Storytelling Key Stats: Founded: 2005 Location: Los Angeles, USA Notable Clients: Disney, Adobe, Netflix Posters Designed in 2024: 300+ Services: Poster & Packaging Design Iconography Infographic Illustrations Branding Visuals Merchandise Design The distinctive manner that DKNG Studios blends concept and style is the source of its moniker. California is home to its main office. They have collaborated with well-known companies like Disney, Adobe, and Warner Bros., demonstrating their ability to create visually striking and narrative images. DKNG is capable of creating logos, packs, and blurbs, among other things. For this reason, they attract a lot of customers who are looking for compelling visual narratives. 3. Invisible Creature – Retro Meets Futuristic Key Stats: Location: Seattle, USA Clients: NASA, Target, LEGO Active Since: 2006 Average Client Retention Rate: 85% Services: Album Art & Posters Product Packaging Children's Book Illustrations Merchandise Design Character Design Seattle's Invisible Creature is renowned in Seattle for showcasing both contemporary and classic designs. Their designs have appeared in LEGO, Target, and NASA projects. Their styles are well-known and they have many tiny details. Because it evokes feelings of nostalgia while seeing certain intricate plan elements, Imperceptible Creature stands out among the sketch scene. 4. Brosmind – Whimsical & Playful Illustrations Key Stats: Based in: Barcelona, Spain Clientele: Nike, Mailchimp, Clash of Clans 2024 Public Installations: 15+ Services: Comic Book Style Illustrations Advertising Campaign Art Character Development Product Packaging Art Event Murals & Urban Art Brosmind is a Spanish startup that creates drawings. They have a distinct and lively style. They were chosen by clients including Mailchimp and Clan of Clans because to their humorous style, which was influenced by fine workmanship. After the typical advertisements, Brosmind locks in open events and locations. These provide a fun touch while supporting various causes. 5. Illo Studio – Simplified Design Excellence Key Stats: Location: Turin, Italy Clients: Google, Apple, Slack Average Project Duration: 7 days Motion Graphics Delivered (2024): 1,200+ Services: Flat Design Illustrations Motion Design & Animation UI/UX Micro-interactions Icon Sets Data Visualization Illo is the New Art and Storytelling Italian Film Studios which excels in creating UI/UX plans, moving plans, and illustrations. These days, they depict individuals and narrate tales using delicate colors and lines. Illo's clients include Apple, Google, and Alibaba, and he enjoys working with companies who want to be ahead of the curve. 6. eDesign Interactive – Digital Engagement Experts Key Stats: Location: Morristown, NJ, USA Established: 2004 Website Projects in 2024: 250+ Industries Served: FMCG, Publishing, Education Services: Website Illustration & UX Integration Interactive Children's Book Designs Animated Brand Storytelling Digital Advertising Illustrations Augmented Reality Illustrations Based in New Jersey, eDesign Interactive is an intuitive design. They engage in a wide range of activities, including brand positioning, clever advertising, and site design. Well done on Welch's and ' Diary of a Wimpy Kid.' In digital commerce, their designs are crucial for locks. eDesign combines innovative technology with creative design to create patterns that are visually appealing and simple to comprehend. 7. IllustrationX – Global Marketplace of Illustration Talent Key Stats: Offices in: London, New York, Sydney Artists Represented: 200+ Styles Covered: 50+ styles across categories Average Commission Time: 3–10 days Services: Fashion Illustration Editorial & Magazine Illustration Technical Illustration Conceptual Art Animation & GIF Design This website offers a wide variety of artists with a wide range of genres for those looking to purchase artwork. It does this by listing abilities like assistance, marketing, specialty, and design. They can be certain that the work they perform aligns with their marketing message and appeals to the individuals they want to collaborate with since they deal with people from all over the globe. 8. The Working Assembly – Concept-Led Branding Illustrators Key Stats: Based in: New York, USA Industry Focus: Fashion, Tech, Food Awards: AIGA, Webby Awards Services: Conceptual Branding Illustrations Editorial Covers & Art Integrated Campaign Visuals Logo Systems & Icons Pitch Deck Visuals When it comes to creative organizing and advertising from conception to performance, no one is better than New York's The Working Get Together. Their art creates stunning images that vary according to each brand. It's hard to distinguish between excellent work and a plan. They have received art prizes for their passionate and imaginative advertisements concerning mold, technology, and consumer products. 9. Cabeza Patata – Specialists in 3D Character Illustration Key Stats: Offices: London & Madrid Clients: Spotify, LEGO, Costa Coffee 3D Characters Designed in 2024: 500+ Services: 3D Modeling & Character Design AR/VR Illustration for Mobile Brand Mascot Creation Mixed Media Animation Stop Motion and Short Films Many people have noticed their style in advertisements like Lego, Spotify, and Costa Coffee. Because Cabeza Patata can transform basic concepts into stunning artwork, medium-sized and big organizations in need of distinctive character outlines often pick it. Reasonably priced service options with unlimited data The Final Wrap Lastly, if businesses reconsider how to visually express tales using originality, talent, and adaptable styles, they will be able to create the greatest outline plans in 2025. American digital publishers are the greatest as it manages special projects, has global clientele, and reacts rapidly. Whether you are a display group, distributorship, or startup, these firms can provide your company with the innovation and consistent quality you need to stand out in today's fiercely competitive business market. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Volkswagen Details 2026 Model Year Updates Ahead Of August Arrival
Volkswagen Details 2026 Model Year Updates Ahead Of August Arrival

Miami Herald

timean hour ago

  • Miami Herald

Volkswagen Details 2026 Model Year Updates Ahead Of August Arrival

Volkswagen has announced all the updates for its 2026 lineup, with some 2026 models due to arrive in showrooms in August. Since most models were all-new or significantly refreshed over the last two years, the 2026 updates introduce a few refinements and additional equipment to the VW range. Let's take a closer look at what's new for 2026, starting with the brand's SUV range. The smallest and most affordable VW crossover underwent a comprehensive refresh for the 2025 model year, so for 2026, VW has elected only to add some more equipment. The Taos now gets standard rear-seat pretensioners, while a mid-model year change will see the introduction of upgraded 15-watt wireless charging. Range-topping SEL models now get an upgraded sound system with eight speakers. An all-new Tiguan was introduced for the 2025 model year, featuring a fresh look and a more tech-heavy interior than before. For 2026, the main change is the introduction of the SEL R-Line Turbo, which gets a more powerful 268-horsepower turbocharged engine, up from 201 hp in the other Tiguan models. VW has also updated its Travel Assist and assistant lane change systems; this applies to all trims. Very little has changed for VW's largest SUV models in the USA for 2026. Buyers going for the SE with Technology trim and above now get a factory-installed HomeLink mirror. The Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line are the other trims benefitting from this change. VW has delayed some of its EV plans, but the ID.4 continues as the brand's sole electric SUV for the 2026 model year. S Plus trims will get a new HomeLink mirror, but VW says a mid-model-year update in 2026 is on the way, when new features will be added to the crossover. No information has been shared on the just yet, following its launch for the 2025 model year, but information on potential upgrades will be announced at a later stage. As with the Taos, rear-seat pretensioners will be standard on 2026 Jettas. The SE gets a standard sunroof, wireless charging is upgraded to 15 w, and SEL variants receive an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. After losing its manual gearbox and getting an updated infotainment system for 2025, there are no major changes for the 2026 Golf GTI. The Golf R underwent similar updates last year, but it's now available with a new exterior color called Graphite Grey Metallic. We expect the manufacturer to share pricing for 2026 models imminently, given that many of them will start arriving in August. The impact of tariffs could come into play here, as VW only promised to freeze pricing of new cars until the end of May. With that freeze now behind us, buyers may be seeing some unwelcome price hikes for 2026, and given how minimal the 2026 MY changes are, it may be a smart move to get a 2025 VW while you still can. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store