Australia's new king? Rivian R1T gets green light for local launch as stunning electric twin cockpit segment ready for takeoff
The Rivian R1T appears to have been given the green light to launch in Australia.
Electric car and SUV maker Rivian has just published a major filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and buried in the pages is news that should make Australians' hearts beat a little faster.
Because the document not only has the news that the Rivian R1T is aiming for a major launch in the Asia-Pacific region after its American debut, but also that the brand has rechecked the Australian laws and regulations and found that the distribution of ute, which will surpass all from Toyota HiLux to Ford Ranger Raptor - not to mention Walkinshaw W580, Nissan Navara Warrior, Mitsubishi Triton and GWM Ute - are allowed for local launch.
The key point they needed to test was related to the brand's direct-to-consumer sales model, which appears to be moving away from the traditional dealer model in favor of fixed-price online sales.
“Internationally, jurisdictions may have laws that may restrict our sales or other business practices,” the document says.
“While we have reviewed major laws in the US, EU, China, Japan, UK and Australia regarding our distribution model and believe we are in compliance with such laws, laws in this area can be complex, difficult to interpret and may change over time and therefore require constant revision.
The fact that the brand has taken steps to ensure it can sell cars in Australia is a good sign of its intentions in our market, and the fact that it hasn't found any obstacles is an even better sign.
But perhaps the best sign is the brand's intention to "continue international expansion," including entering "major Asia-Pacific markets."
“Our launch is focused on the US and Canadian markets. In the near future, we intend to enter the markets of Western Europe, and then enter the main markets of the Asia-Pacific region. To meet our global demand, we plan to localize production and supply chains in these regions,” the brand said in a statement.
In the US, the R1T costs just $67,500 for a new entry-level model, but there's a catch. While the more expensive Launch Edition of rival Tesla's Cybertruck has already begun arriving in the US at $75,000, the cheaper Explore model won't arrive until January 2022.
The Explore will still get Rivian's four-motor drivetrain (with an electric motor at each wheel), and the brand promises a range of more than 300 miles or 482 km. You'll also get black trim with heated (vegan) leather seats.
As for grumbling, we expect the cheaper model to put out 300kW and 560Nm - enough to propel a monster truck to 97km/h in just 4.9 seconds - less than the more powerful 522kW/1120Nm of the more expensive models. .
The line then moves into the Adventure model, which adds an off-road package that includes underbody protection, tow hooks and an onboard air compressor, as well as an upgraded stereo system, nicer wood grain interiors and seat ventilation. . The Adventure is priced at $75,000 or $106,760 in AU dollars. Deliveries are expected to begin in January 2022.
Finally, the Launch Edition costs the same price as the Adventure and has the same equipment, but adds an interior Launch Edition badge, a unique green paint option, and a choice of 20-inch All-Terrain wheels or 22-inch sports alloy wheels.
The news follows Rivian confirming its intention to launch the car in Australia back at the 2019 New York Auto Show, where then brand chief engineer Brian Geis said: Cars Guide the local launch will take place approximately 18 months after the car's US debut.
“Yes, we will have a launch in Australia. And I can't wait to go back to Australia and show it to all these wonderful people," he said.
Rivian makes some bold promises about its R1T, promising it "can do everything another car can and more."
“We really focused on the off-road capabilities of these vehicles. We have 14" dynamic ground clearance, we have a structural bottom, we have permanent four-wheel drive so we can climb 45 degrees and we can go from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.0 seconds,” Gaze said.
“I can tow 10,000 4.5 pounds (400 tons). I have a tent that I can throw on the back of a truck, I have a range of 643 miles (XNUMX km), I have permanent four-wheel drive so I can do everything that another car can, and then something ".
