Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Plymouth Township, has received an equity investment of $350 million from global automotive publishing and services company Cox Automotive, which is headquartered in Atlanta.
In addition to the investment, the companies will explore partnership opportunities in service operations, logistics, and digital retailing. Rivian will remain an independent company, and Cox Automotive will add a representative to company’s board.
“We are building a Rivian ownership experience that matches the care and consideration that go into our vehicles,” says R.J. Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian. “As part of this, we are excited to work with Cox Automotive in delivering a consistent customer experience across our various touchpoints. Cox Automotive’s global footprint, service and logistics capabilities, and retail technology platform make them a great partner for us.”
Cox Automotive, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is the home of nearly 30 automotive brands, including Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Pivet, RideKleen and Manheim, which transports, services, and auctions vehicles across more than 150 global locations.
“We are excited by Rivian’s unique approach to building an electrified future and to be part of the positive impact its products will bring to our roads and the world around us,” says Sandy Schwartz, president of Cox Automotive. “This investment complements Cox Automotive’s own commitment to environmental change through our Cox Conserves efforts.”
Rivian has developed two clean-sheet electric adventure vehicles, the R1T truck and the R1S SUV. Designed on a flexible skateboard platform, the R1T and R1S each will be available with up to 400 miles of range and an unmatched combination of off-road utility and high performance.
“With the electrification of vehicles set to play a significant role in the new mobility future, this partnership opens another channel of discovery and learning for Cox Automotive,” says Joe George, president of Cox Automotive Mobility Group. “Advancements in battery technology and the electrification of fleets are two of our primary focus areas, and we believe this relationship will prove to be mutually beneficial.”
This partnership marks Rivian’s third investment announcement of 2019. The first was a $700 million investment round in February led by Amazon. The second, in April, was a $500 million investment from Ford Motor Co.
