J.D. Power published its 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study on Thursday, revealing that Rivian topped the ranking with 900 points out of 1,000.
The company was followed by Porsche with 891 points while Tesla (with 870) was the closest competitor among the pure electric vehicle makers. Overall, Jaguar ranked third scoring 886 points while Land Rover completed the podium with 882 points.
According to the study, owner satisfaction with new-vehicle design and performance has rebounded in 2024 after two years of decline. The average satisfaction rating in this year’s study is 847, up from 845 last year.
The study concluded that newer fully electric models are achieving higher scores as they feature better battery range and interior materials.
Commenting on the legacy OEMs, JD Power’s senior director of Auto Benchmarking Frank Hanley said they have “listened to the voice of the customer” as they have been developing “improved interior storage and higher quality materials, as well as ensuring features have ease of use”.
Earlier today, Rivian announced that its Chief Commercial Officer and President for Business Growth, Dr. Kjell Gruner, has resigned less than one year after joining the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer.
In a new SEC filing, the company said Gruner will “pursue other opportunities” after assuring the transition until February 17, 2025. The executive joined the Irvine-based EV maker in September 2023.
Earlier this week, the company updated its Canadian website to reveal the pricing for its upcoming, smaller, and more affordable R2 model.
The new model will start at CAD $66,500, which is approximately USD $48,100, making it about $3,100 more expensive than its US counterpart, priced at $45,000.
During Rivian’s third annual Family and Friends Day last weekend, a company executive disclosed that the R2 model has already garnered “well over 100,000 pre-orders.”
Tim Fallon, Rivian’s Vice President of Manufacturing, highlighted also that recent equipment upgrades have increased production capacity by approximately 30%, paving the way for the R2’s production.
In an interview with The Verge’s podcast “Decoder,” Rivian’s founder and CEO, Scaringe, said the company will not integrate Apple CarPlay into its vehicles.
The software is integrated into over 800 models from more than 20 brands including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Hyundai, and Lucid Motors.
