[gwbas1c]

Think of it from the perspective of disruption. Large, incumbent businesses get disrupted all the time. A major indicator of a David beating a Goliath is when the rules of the business change.

And, with EVs, the rules of the business have changed, pretty much overnight.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Innovator%27s_Dilemma

IMO: Rivian is ripe for a major investment from an outsider with a lot of cash, (like Amazon,) or for acquisition from a major automaker. An acquisition will only work if they are generally allowed to be independent and run with little interference. Given how direct sales without independent dealers are major part of the rule changes, it's very hard for Rivian to leverage an acquiring company's dealer network.

[taylodl]

Automotive companies have vast R&D budgets and they've been researching (and improving) EV's for decades. Many auto manufacturers have been involved in Formula E racing, keeping up the tradition of developing technology on the race track and then moving it into production for the consumer market.

Now that there's been a spike in consumer interest in EV's these companies would like to recoup that R&D, not to mention they want to be recognized as leaders in the automotive world. I wouldn't want to start a business to take on Mercedes, BMW, Renault, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Lexus - no way. Those guys will crush you.

The SUV and truck market is a different story, however and I think it's smart for Rivian to focus on that segment. They still have stiff competition from the likes of Ford, GM, Toyota and Honda but Toyota and Honda haven't been as active in EV's as the other world-class automotive manufacturers so you stand a better chance competing with them. GM and Ford have a history of failures in responding to rapidly shifting market demands (think of their disasters in the 70's and even into the 80's with producing cars achieving good fuel economy and lower emissions). Now is the time to compete against Ford and GM. Of all the upstart EV makers I think Rivian is best positioned to really stand out and make a name for themselves. As long as they stay away from cars.

[hajile]

If I recall correctly, Rivian is hugely invested into by Cox (specifically Cox Automotive started with a 350M investment), Amazon (750M in 2019 alone), and even Ford (around 500M investment in 2019).

[basch]

Did Slack beat Teams? Xerox or Apple?

[lr1970]

> IMO: Rivian is ripe for a major investment from an outsider with a lot of cash, (like Amazon,)

Amazon already invested billions in Rivian and had to write off the losses. It is not a simple game.