Rivian Guide Contacted Finally! (For Real) ?

[hamberderz]

I had my guide conversation with Martin this afternoon. He's based out of Normal and is one of the Guides for the Western States region. (nice dude!) He's been with Rivian since October 2020. He stated that his office is colocated near the production line and that production is currently moving slowly and methodically, and will accelerate once quality can be maintained at the increased throughput. I had 12 questions for Martin, and he had about half that for me (mostly verifying options and address). I kept to my 45 minutes, which he appreciated -- one recent phone call went 2 hours and 45 minutes. In the middle of the call, after confirming my options (Launch Green, Black interior, 20" tires), he 'pushed my order into production' and my delivery target was "by the end of October".

A few things I learned and have personally not yet heard/read:
-- Crash test ratings coming 'soon' -- nothing specific, but according to him they 'far exceeded his expectations'.
-- EPA ratings have been withheld - (my impression) it seems that they are waiting on the EPA to allow them to release the data. The information will be released prior to delivery of first vehicle.
-- I asked why the Offroad package was made optional recently and whether it was associated with range (and whether ordering it would have any impact on delivery). With respect to range he categorically said 'no' -- it was due to a lot of customers indicating they had no interest in the off road package. What he *did* indicate was that all of the first batches of vehicles delivered would have the offroad package.
-- 70+ percent of reservation holders are first time EV owners. This wasn't a question of mine, but he did say that the second contact from him in about a month would be related to owning / charging an EV since most have never done so. (I've owned two EVs and we'll either skip this converation or talk about something else).
-- Wall charger: Their plan is to have the wall charger both delivered and installed (coordinated by Rivian) prior to delivery of the R1T. This was great news to me.
-- Insurance: Maybe this was out there already, but the insurance they will offer sounds like it will cover mishaps that occur offroad... he indicated that this isn't always the case wtih standard insurance companies.
-- In 4 weeks, he will begin to push out vehicle operational videos (but perhaps these will also go out to the world...?)
-- He did *not* know the exact timing of test drives in the Seattle area, but thought mid-August. Said he would get back to me on this question.
-- They will have a local "delivery specialist" team that he will coordinate with when it is time for vehicle delivery. Like a Guide, a delivery specialist will be assigned to each vehicle.
-- I've wavered on a few accessories and he said that accessories do not affect delivery timing.
-- Second set of cross rails -- I asked how I could order two sets of cross rails. He made a note and they will be updating the accessory page in the coming month to allow for that.

Cheers!

I stand by the later dates as being safety nets, but I find it odd that you would be quoted a sooner safety net than me when we are both in the Seattle area, same configuration, and I ordered before you. I just find the difference in dates interesting. I wouldn’t think this would be an “up to the guide” type of narrative.

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[kanundrum]

^^ for those who have confirmed everything is your rivian.com portal change at all? Does it say production confirmed etc.

 

[hamberderz]

^^ for those who have confirmed everything is your rivian.com portal change at all? Does it say production confirmed etc.

I see nothing different on the portal.

 

[SoCal Rob]

Other have relayed dates as early as August. They could even have committed to July deliveries for customers who don’t post here. There isn’t even anything to show Rivian won’t pull a Tesla and deliver R1T vehicles to employees in July.

It seems like you are really put off by the fact that Rivian is definitely on track to deliver more in-house developed models (3) and probably more total vehicles than Tesla could in their first year of manufacturing. You seem to overlook this information when it interferes with your doom-and-gloom narrative.

So, why are you trying to dispirit people despite the fact that Rivian seems to be doing well by objective measures of first year vehicle manufacturing? Do you think that we will, “see the light,” and buy Tesla vehicles?

 

[SeaGeo]

Other have relayed dates as early as August. They could even have committed to July deliveries for customers who don’t post here. There isn’t even anything to show Rivian won’t pull a Tesla and deliver R1T vehicles to employees in July.

It seems like you are really put off by the fact that Rivian is definitely on track to deliver more in-house developed models (3) and probably more total vehicles than Tesla could in their first year of manufacturing. You seem to overlook this information when it interferes with your doom-and-gloom narrative.

So, why are you trying to dispirit people despite the fact that Rivian seems to be doing well by objective measures of first year vehicle manufacturing? Do you think that we will, “see the light,” and buy Tesla vehicles?

I'm not seeing who you're responding to. And I recently blocked our neighborhood troll. So I'm just gonna guess that will explain my confusion about your response. ?

 

[monzarottie]

I'm not seeing who you're responding to. And I recently blocked our neighborhood troll. So I'm just gonna guess that Weill explain my confusion about your response. ?

Same. ?

 

[SoCal Rob]

I'm not seeing who you're responding to. And I recently blocked our neighborhood troll. So I'm just gonna guess that will explain my confusion about your response. ?

I’m starting to think that I may have to block as well. They ignore facts, don’t address issues which point out that they ignore facts, and they seem to contribute nothing of value. Kind of the textbook definition of a troll, but I’m an optimist.

 

[bac4uw]

I see nothing different on the portal.

Me neither -- no change to the portal. It sounded to me like he was 'submitting my info', but could have been just for show.

hamberderz --> what Guide did you talk to? I can imagine that there is some room for minor variation in response between Guides, but for the sake of optics - I agree with you - I think they'd want to keep the delivery window message pretty consistent.

 

[hamberderz]

Me neither -- no change to the portal. It sounded to me like he was 'submitting my info', but could have been just for show.

hamberderz --> what Guide did you talk to? I can imagine that there is some room for minor variation in response between Guides, but for the sake of optics - I agree with you - I think they'd want to keep the delivery window message pretty consistent.

Nicole was my guide, not Martin.

 

[SeaGeo]

I’m starting to think that I may have to block as well. They ignore facts, don’t address issues which point out that they ignore facts, and they seem to contribute nothing of value. Kind of the textbook definition of a troll, but I’m an optimist.

I've literally not blocked anyone else on a forum ever. I disagree with plenty of people on here from time to time, but they are usually trying to provide some value. Or at least have have fun and joke around in a positive manner. ?‍

 

[DuckTruck]

Thanks Duck. You are absolutely correct. Good memory again. I am from a small town approximately 35 miles North of Tyler. I graduated from high school with actress Sissy Spacek, who happens to have the same birthday as Jesus, so maybe that's a good sign we'll get our Rivians "soon". And you're right, I don't want a 4th Father's Day without one. Good choice on your color selection. I considered it also, but I just went the safe route. I knew how Silver would look. ?



If I have the opportunity to see the different colors on a vehicle, I could possibly change my color selection, but regardless, I'll take whichever color gets me the vehicle "sooner". ?

cc84,

Interesting to hear about your Sissy Spacek connection. I've always loved her in the movies and the few interviews I've seen. My favorite of the bunch was In the Bedroom. Dark, but a very well-done and complex piece. Regarding our Father's Day conversation, I'd prefer to not experience a fourth Christmas without our Rivians but, alas, that is not under our control. Speaking of that day, I've always felt sorry for kids that had a birthday on Christmas. I guess Jesus had no chance of escaping that dilemma.

I had a client who took me to a great honky-tonk BBQ place somewhere to the East (and South?) of Tyler as we were heading back to Dallas from the TX-LA stateline area in Sabine County. I wish I could remember the name or specific location, but that was almost 20 years ago. Washed down some of the best brisket I've ever had with a Shiner Bock or three. They even had both kinds of music. ? Great memories of the trip, especially meeting a number of wonderful people at every stop.

The more I hear from forum folk about LA Silver, the more I like it. I'm still good with Launch Green but, like everyone else here, I just want to see all of the colors before having to choose. Patience can be both a superpower and a curse. I'm still good (for now) with knowing we'll know what they look like soon (notice I didn't use quotation marks this time? - Old dog, new trick!). As such, I won't grouse about it. My expectation is that each color will be awesome to those who choose it for their Rivian. And lucky enough for Customer Service, I just refilled my Tourette's meds. They're safe for another 30 days. ? (And no yelling at me, please! It's just a joke!)

Phone still fully-charged......

 

[DuckTruck]

A question for Guide: Do they have any more details about "when" the tours and test drives in SEATTLE might start?? Probably not, but since the service center in Seattle looks

Same here, Launch Green, Mountain Black, 12/7/2018... yeehaw! Chatting this afternoon with Martin.

Bryan,

Congrats and thank you for all of the great details of your conversation. I've visited with Martin on a couple of occasions and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. He was very informative, answered every question, even if all he could say was "I can't answer that question". I've always appreciated his candor in telling me what he could.

I'm wondering if these test driving events might include bringing groups of people together to save themtime and allow some of us to meet each other. I would really look forward to the opportunity to break bread an empty a few beers with everyone that can make it to such an event. I guess time will tell.

Again, congrats on the good news you received, and the good news it is for all of us hanging out here!

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

Other have relayed dates as early as August. They could even have committed to July deliveries for customers who don’t post here. There isn’t even anything to show Rivian won’t pull a Tesla and deliver R1T vehicles to employees in July.

That's possible, although I recall Rivian previously saying that employees were not going to get priority delivery. I don't have the exact source handy, but I recall them saying that LE deliveries would be taken care of prior to employee deliveries.

 

[godfodder0901]

That's possible, although I recall Rivian previously saying that employees were not going to get priority delivery. I don't have the exact source handy, but I recall them saying that LE deliveries would be taken care of prior to employee deliveries.

This is what I was told directly by several Rivian employees.

 

[cc84]

cc84,

I've always felt sorry for kids that had a birthday on Christmas.

You know, I always have too. I bet their parents were okay with it though.

I had a client who took me to a great honky-tonk BBQ place somewhere to the East (and South?) of Tyler as we were heading back to Dallas from the TX-LA stateline area in Sabine County. I wish I could remember the name or specific location, but that was almost 20 years ago. Washed down some of the best brisket I've ever had with a Shiner Bock or three. They even had both kinds of music. ? Great memories of the trip, especially meeting a number of wonderful people at every stop.

I know of Country Tavern, but it's located directly East of Tyler, in Gregg County. You're correct in Sabine County being South/East of Tyler, so I'm sure you were at a different BBQ place. Lots of BBQ (and beer) in Texas.

I just refilled my Tourette's meds. They're safe for another 30 days. ? (And no yelling at me, please! It's just a joke!)

Phone still fully-charged......

I like your attitude. Inspiration to us all. Keep the phone charged! ?

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