Not long after Rivian confirmed that manufacturing validation builds of R2 are rolling off the line in Normal, Illinois, the company shared a new Instagram video showing one of those vehicles heading out to Route 66. While short, the clip revealed several interesting details. The R2 features an auto-closing rear trunk, a Gear Guard inspired camo wrap, and a noticeably…
Just a year ago, Rivian’s R2 expansion in Normal, IL was nothing more than a concrete slab. Today, Rivian has hit a major milestone, the first R2 Manufacturing Validation Build vehicles have officially rolled off the line. These are not prototypes or show cars. Manufacturing Validation Builds are production-intent vehicles, designed to validate factory processes, tooling, and build quality ahead…
Rivian’s R2 has not even launched yet, but there is a very real chance it could outsell the R1 lineup faster than almost anyone expects. R1 proved that Rivian could build a compelling vehicle. It was expensive, large, and aimed squarely at early adopters who were willing to live with rough edges. R2 is different. It is designed for people…
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe will headline ACT Expo 2026, putting Rivian’s growing commercial and fleet ambitions squarely in the spotlight at North America’s largest fleet technology event. ACT Expo 2026 takes place May 4 to 7, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is widely regarded as the most important conference for fleet decision-makers evaluating advanced vehicle technologies. For…
Autonomy is one of the most overused words in the auto industry. Brands throw it around like it is a single feature you either have or you do not, but the reality is a responsibility ladder, and the higher you climb, the more the car takes on, and the less you do. The clean way to talk about it is…
