No matter function the sneaker-wearing Gruner fills at Rivian, he will have to be expecting a problem.
Like alternative auto startups, Rivian is burning billions of bucks because it launches unutilized fashions and invests in manufacturing and distribution capability.
Rivian posted a $1.35 billion first-quarter internet loss on income of $661 million. Its book had reduce 93 p.c of its worth this spring earlier than recuperating on sturdy manufacturing unit output numbers this life.
The Amazon-backed automaker builds 3 cars in Standard, Sick., — an electrical supply van, a pickup and a crossover — and it’s running on its nearest automobile platform, R2, designed for more cost effective fashions.
In the meantime, Rivian is construction a sprawling $5 billion meeting plant close Atlanta day ironing out production problems at its Illinois manufacturing unit.
Gruner’s hiring may sign that Rivian is making ready to go past startup method, stated Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ insights director.
“Having a seasoned automotive veteran with intimate knowledge of selling high-end products will do wonders for the brand,” Drury stated.
However Gruner goes into his unutilized gig with ocular broad viewable.
In a LinkedIn put up saying his advance from Porsche, the manager wrote: “How can you leave Porsche??? A great team, a great brand, great products! But sometimes there is the next mountain to climb.”
