CNBC: Rivian laying off hundreds of workers amid R2 launch

[Jeremy3292]

Not that surprising if you know how Corp America works...but still very unfortunate for those impacted. Been there before myself.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/16/rivian-layoffs.html

• Rivian said Tuesday it was laying off hundreds of workers, or less than 2% of its workforce, as the EV maker aims to narrow losses.
• The electric vehicle maker officially launched deliveries of its key new vehicle, the R2 SUV, last week.
• The EV maker lost $3.6 billion last year and has never turned an annual profit.

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[Mos Eisley]

Doing better than Lucid: https://eletric-vehicles.com/lucid/...-amid-operational-streamlining-under-new-ceo/

Who also just lost the mastermind behind their designs.

 

[Jeremy3292]

I don't consider Lucid a real company. It is a fun project by the Saudi's like LIV Golf was. Loss leader not to be taken seriously.

 

[Zathras]

Not that surprising if you know how Corp America works...but still very unfortunate for those impacted. Been there before myself.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/16/rivian-layoffs.html

I'll worry when they lay off members of the engineering teams.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Was wondering why the stock was dropping again. Not that it follows rhyme or reason but I'm guessing this probably had something to do with it.

Sad for those involved. Hate to see these headlines.

 

[carsly]

Rivian needs to push to get profitable in Q4 26. If they can sell 10+K R2's, of the highest priced trims, in Q4 and are still losing money they are going to have a problem with viability.

 

[CrazyOne]

I fully expect companies to do this, even when they do well, but Rivian needs to survive first. Still sad.

 

[soysaucing]

you would think they're expanding, not shrinking, especially service team. But whatever it takes to get to profitability is good for long term for this company.

 

[maba2366]

you would think they're expanding, not shrinking, especially service team. But whatever it takes to get to profitability is good for long term for this company.

According to WSJ the "service and customer organization" handles sales and marketing, not servicing of vehicles. This is a good place to make cuts at the moment while they focus on ramping up their autonomy, production and repair operations.

 

[mkhuffman]

Rivian is burinig cash. They are a for profit company. That means they need to make money or they will cease to exist.

"Corp America" is responsible to their shareholders and their employees. Yes those let go are hurt, but those who remain are more secure. And as a shareholder, the only way they get me back to my $65 break even point is with smart and fiscally responsible decisions.

While I feel for those impacted by the layoffs, this is good for Rivian and for the future of the company.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Not surprising. A chunk of R2 development is done and they burned a pile of cash doing it. Not the first round at Rivian, nor will it be the first. Everyone (not just Rivian) is running as lean as required in this post-pandemic world. Eventually, and with AI, we'll all be seasonal workers—except the seasons are business cycles—and no one will be able to afford to buy/own much.

 

[ScottnAZ]

They did the same thing right after the deliveries for the R1T started back in 2022. Certainly sad for the work force though.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

They did the same thing right after the deliveries for the R1T started back in 2022. Certainly sad for the work force though.

Electrek says "the cuts hit its service and customer teams, which include sales and marketing".

Cuts in service staff will hurt customer experience (as if that isn't hit-or-miss already). Sales/Marketing, the R2 sells itself—save for the small minority who don't find it impressive. All media who attended media-only day are overwhelmingly positive on it in their reviews.

Sad indeed for those affected. But it's less than 2% of workforce. Compare that to the tens of thousands software/tech companies do at each round.

 

[NY_Rob]

Was wondering why the stock was dropping again.

Because Rivian was in the news, that's all it takes. Doesn't matter if it's good news or bad, the stock will drop regardless. That's why I hate to hear anything regarding Rivian in the news.. I know the stock will be down the next day

 

[Zathras]

When I was talking to my loan officer at the credit union, she said she had a friend who had been laid off from Rivian. He was a real gun-ho employee who loved the company. But I guess for now, critical jobs are required, and not-so-critical jobs aren't. I bet he might find a new job back there in a few years if he wants.

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