Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
Late Thursday, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, engaged with the community on Reddit for an extensive “Ask Me Anything” session, sharing updates and new features for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles.
Bensaid announced that RGB lighting controls are coming to Gen 1 vehicles, although they will differ from the more advanced features available in Gen 2. He also confirmed that blind spot cameras for Gen 1 vehicles are expected to be introduced later this month. Another significant update includes the tri-climate zone control, which will be available for both generations by the end of the year.
Rivian is set to integrate Apple Music into its vehicles, allowing users to use their existing accounts seamlessly. Additionally, SiriusXM will be available later this year, with a free three-month trial for U.S. users.
Rivian is also enhancing its Driver+ system, planning to introduce trailer assist and improve in-lane line detection for Highway Assist.
The upcoming June software update will feature several enhancements, including suspension software tuning for better ride comfort, a refreshed visual interface with 3D cel shading, live camera views for blind spot monitoring, a redesigned HVAC app, and the ability to schedule software updates.
Gen 2 vehicles will be integrated with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) open standard, featuring Ultra-Wideband technology for improved proximity lock and unlocking, key sharing, and support for using the Apple Watch as a key. However, due to hardware limitations, Gen 1 vehicles will not fully support this feature.
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Other updates for Gen 1 include the introduction of Dolby Atmos for Rivian Premium Audio, an advanced equalizer, and enhanced user profiles. Gen 2 owners will benefit from features like lane change on command and the ability to adjust tire size without visiting a service center.
Rivian is also working on several future features, such as messaging integration, a “Teen Mode” for limiting speed and acceleration, and a “Valet Mode” for added security and privacy. Additionally, a beta program for software testing is being developed, with more details to be shared soon.
Rivian has started this week another round of layoffs as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce costs. The company confirmed on Thursday that a “small number of salaried positions” have been eliminated without mentioning how many people from the approximately 8,000 workers were affected.
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Rivian has disclosed in a Form 144 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on late Wednesday that its CEO RJ Scaringe has sold 71,429 shares of common stock. The sale, which occurred on June 10, was valued at approximately $820,883.50.
The shares were sold through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and was part of a stock option exercise, according to the filing.
Claire McDonough, the CFO from the electric vehicle maker Rivian, teased on Tuesday that the company is in discussions with potential clients to use their electric commercial vans.
Over the last few months, images appeared on social media of several vehicles branded by DHL fueling speculation about a forthcoming collaboration between the electric vehicle manufacturer and the global logistics giant.
The electric vehicle manufacturer, known for its light and commercial EVs, is targeting production of 57,000 units this year. Rivian recently unveiled its second-generation R1 models, which incorporate new technology and features designed to lower production costs and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
