Overview

• Rivian maintains a roughly $45,000 starting price target for the R2, and its CFO says the SUV will cost less than half as much per unit to build as the R1 line.
• First‑half 2026 production is planned at the Normal, Illinois plant, which is currently being retooled to support the R2 program.
• Rivian is preparing European entry with right‑hand‑drive development for the UK, though specific UK timing has not been announced, according to Autocar’s reporting.
• German outlet Manager Magazin reports setbacks in the Rivian–Volkswagen joint venture, citing difficulties adapting Rivian software to VW models.
• A new Georgia factory intended to bolster R2 output and later add R3 and R3X remains under construction, with operations projected to begin in 2027.