Rivian Delays R1T Pickup Deliveries

It sounds like the chip shortage and really, the whole series of pandemic production issues have happened to Rivian. Automotive News reports that deliveries to R1T pickup customers will now be delayed until September.

Apparently the potential owners went to the forums about their frustration with the company over the lack of communication, something CEO RJ Scaringe touched on briefly in a letter to clients:

“We know you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of your vehicle. Earlier this summer, we announced that deliveries would begin in July; however, the schedule for the first deliveries of the R1T was postponed to September, the R1S soon after in the fall. I wanted to make sure you heard it directly from me.

He went on to explain that the delays are largely the result of the industry-wide chip shortage and production difficulties at their plant in Normal, Illinois:

“The cascading impacts of the pandemic have had a greater aggravating effect than expected. Everything from building facilities and installing equipment to supplying vehicle components (especially semiconductors) has been affected 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 interconnected activities where small problems can translate into ramp delays.

Rivian not only builds the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, but he also produces electric vehicle delivery vans for Amazon. And while it’s understandable that a startup trying to mass-produce vehicles would run into issues like this, I would be a little flustered if I were a customer and received a letter from the company that I pre-ordered my vehicle which basically says “Hey, we’re having trouble with the build of your vehicle.”

He went on to thank customers for waiting and promise the RT1 will be worth the wait. Hopefully this wait is not too long.