Rivian eliminates 140 manufacturing jobs to reduce 'process inefficiencies'

Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN) has let go of 140 employees, or around 1% of its workforce, in an effort to improve efficiencies in its manufacturing unit as the company prepares for the launch of its more affordable R2 SUV next year.
In an email to TechCrunch, Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN) confirmed the job cuts, advising affected employees to apply for other positions within the company.
“We have made the difficult decision to reduce a small number of our salaried manufacturing employees as part of an ongoing effort to improve operational efficiencies for R2,” the email said, eliminating roles that created “process inefficiencies.”
Production of the R2 SUV is expected to start in the first half of 2026 with a platform designed to achieve “significant cost efficiencies” compared to its current models. The vehicle will be listed with a sticker price of ~$45,000 to compete with the Tesla (TSLA) Model Y and Ford (F) Mustang Mach E.

Rivian eliminates 140 manufacturing jobs to reduce ‘process inefficiencies’