Rivian CEO Doesn’t Think Cybertruck Will Lure Away R1T Customers... Agree / Disagree?

[PATEL]

Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe explains why he's not too worried about the Cybertruck, as he explained in this interview with The Verge.

"If you were to think of, like, the Venn diagrams of [Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck] customers, there's probably not a lot of overlap." He goes on to explain: the auto industry is diverse in a way that many EV proponents (often from the tech industry) just don't understand. He sees room for multiple answers to the question of the best electric truck, calling the Cybertruck "different," and says that "it's great that a product like that exists in the world" because of its contribution toward electrification.​

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[Don Kedick]

If I was an executive I sure wouldn’t be on stage saying we’re about to get freight trained into Chapter 11.

 

[Crissa]

I would say the EV demand is basically vehicle demand in a way people not following EVs are familiar with.

There's a little overlap, but not much, between buyers of EVs. They're wanting different things, and hence, mostly compete with traditional ICE vehicles at this point.

-Crissa

 

[COLAB]

he remains politically correct and does not bring anything new for the moment, he notes that there is a new competitor, ok !!!!!!!Il ?

 

[CyberGus]

Funny how CEOs always believe their products are superior.

 

[Deleted member 12457]

I'm not against just about any EV manufacturer because I want ALL diesel and gas vehicles off the road as soon as possible. Of course, this won't happen until EVs are less expensive than non-EVs but forcing everyone to only buy Tesla vehicles is against what's needed to get rid of non-EVs. I really don't care what Rivian has to say, they're simply trying to exist and have produced a decent product. Trucks or all sizes are necessary around the world both for individuals and for transportation of goods. Fighting between companies doesn't help get rid of non-EVs. As for calling the CT "different" I'd say the Rivian truck with all of it's cubby holes is also "different" so there's no need for one CEO to complain about the design of another CEO's products. I welcome the change. When I was pumping gas a long time ago, I could identify every make of vehicle but now, almost every car looks the same (like a bloated pig). You have to find the manufacturer's emblem to know who makes it.

 

[MEDICALJMP]

I believe some of their potential customers will drop away once CT is out and about. I do not think too many current owners will abandon the Rivian ship for CT unless it is to add on. They are different vehicles for different purposes. Rivian is more of a lifestyle vehicle than a working truck, at least from what I have seen.

BTW, on talking to the Amazon drivers who get the Rivian, they so far talk highly of it. Most have not had them over a year. Time will tell.

 

[pricedm]

I doubt I will convert my Rivian reservation into a purchase, due to Tesla Cybertruck.

Rivian R1S is a unique vehicle, I don't see much competition/ alternatives to this off-road capable SUV if a buyer wants to stick with the traditional "SUV" shape.

Price and specs of the Cybertruck will impact 'alternatives'....either not much if the Cybertruck is "expensive" or a lot if it is priced similar to the S/X and specs are in line with the hype.

 

[Sirfun]

Funny how CEOs always believe their products are superior.

Absolutely! That's why they get paid the Big Bucks!!!!!

 

[PilotPete]

There’s a butt for every seat.

 

[Mdub]

Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe explains why he's not too worried about the Cybertruck, as he explained in this interview with The Verge.

"If you were to think of, like, the Venn diagrams of [Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck] customers, there's probably not a lot of overlap." He goes on to explain: the auto industry is diverse in a way that many EV proponents (often from the tech industry) just don't understand. He sees room for multiple answers to the question of the best electric truck, calling the Cybertruck "different," and says that "it's great that a product like that exists in the world" because of its contribution toward electrification.​

I would buy a R1T if there was not CyberTruck. But, I'm getting a CyberTruck because it's RAD

Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe explains why he's not too worried about the Cybertruck, as he explained in this interview with The Verge.

"If you were to think of, like, the Venn diagrams of [Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck] customers, there's probably not a lot of overlap." He goes on to explain: the auto industry is diverse in a way that many EV proponents (often from the tech industry) just don't understand. He sees room for multiple answers to the question of the best electric truck, calling the Cybertruck "different," and says that "it's great that a product like that exists in the world" because of its contribution toward electrification.​

I would buy a R1T if there was no Cybertruck. But, I will be getting a Cybertruck.

 

[SSonnentag]

I think he is mostly correct. I doubt there is a huge overlap in market for these two vehicles.

 

[cvalue13]

i tend to think he's more right than wrong: the Venn diagram surely overlaps, but i don't think it overlaps that significantly

and to the extent the Cybertruck comes out and pushes the market forward in terms of available capabilities, etc., it will cause Rivian to push it's product forward. (Much the same way the Cybertruck as a product has been pushed forward by the intervening Rivian and Ford models.)

will Cybertruck capture some otherwise would-be Rivian buyers? Of course.

But there are still a lot of people who will choose a Rivian over a Tesla/Musk/Cybertruck product, especially as Rivian shifts it's offerings to be competative with the CT.

If Rivian has business challenges (and it seems to), I don't think that high on the list is a mass exodus of it's potential buyers to the CT.

 

[WormtownKris]

I think it is kind of like Land Rover customers vs F150 customers. Certainly, some people will shop both. But as MedicalJmp stated above, there are different primary use cases for both. For me, the R1T is a nice truck (R1S as well), but a little too small and pricey for my taste. If I was a hiking in the mountains, drive to the office and pick up a 1/2 sheet of plywood on the way home kind of guy, the Rivian vehicles might be a better choice for me. Conversely, the CT is likely too bulky or even weird for many folks.
We see on this forum alone that people want the CT to be everything from a Ford Maverick to a cattle-hauling duelly with a 5th wheel. It has to have a 40SF frunk and seat 6, but also fit into a compact parking spot.
So, I think RJ has a point that each has its own market. And it's not unreasonable for him to hope that there is not much overlap to that market. I think price might wind up having a big impact on how many buyers move over to Tesla.

 

[cvalue13]

I think price might wind up having a big impact on how many buyers move over to Tesla.

this is definitely the big unknown that cause his comments to be somewhat unfounded at present

the truth/falsity of market overlap will hinge on relative value proposition

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