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For many automakers, the current market is
clear as mud.
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Production shifts are being proposed as tariffs
are hitting their supply chains,
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and pricing and buyer behavior are such
question mark that some have withdrawn their
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full year forecasts.
But one EV brand may have had the foresight to
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get ahead of the drama.
Car scoops recently reported that Rivian has
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been quietly amassing a secret stockpile of key
components since before the 2024 election.
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They say that because of this refreshingly
proactive strategy,
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the California-based company is now sitting.
A sizable stockpile of batteries.
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Bloomberg notes that Rivian has accumulated a
stash of lithium iron phosphate batteries from
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a supplier in China called Goshen Hi-Tech.
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These are said to be earmarked for fulfilling
orders for Amazon delivery vans.
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They say Rivian has also leveraged its
relationship with Samsung SDI to import a
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sizeable batch of battery cells from South
Korea, which it needs to keep production on
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track for its new pickup SUV.
This is particularly key when you consider that
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just last week, Samsung SDI set a terrafour.
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Would make it more expensive to produce
electric vehicles.
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Ultimately, says Car Scoops, Rivian has bought
itself more than just inventory.
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It’s brought breathing room before it has to
worry about raising prices.
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Speaking of raising prices, current plans from
automakers appear to be all across the board.
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BMW is raising prices on some models.
Hyundai has dropped its complementary
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maintenance program, but GM, who says it will
take a $5 billion hit on the trade war,
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does not anticipate increasing prices for its
buyers.
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I’m Nolan Bilestein.
This is manufacturing now.