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Thursday, November 12, 2026Local news for Joliet and Illinois.
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Business · Atlanta

Rivian's R2 SUV tops sales as Georgia plant construction nears completion

The midsize vehicle overtook the R1T truck in Q3, setting the stage for production at a $5 billion facility that will soon employ 2,000 workers.

By Anthony Foster ·

Illustration for: Rivian's R2 SUV tops sales as Georgia plant construction nears completion
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Rivian's R2 midsize SUV has become the company's highest-volume model, overtaking the R1T truck and R1S SUV in the third quarter. The company reported this shift in earnings released on Thursday, marking a pivotal change in its product mix as it prepares for a major production expansion in Georgia.

RJ Scaringe, Rivian's founder and CEO, confirmed the performance in a news release. "We had great results with R2 becoming our best selling vehicle by volume in the third quarter," Scaringe said. He added that feedback from customers and media has been exceptional, noting the vehicle's strong market reception.

The R2 is central to the company's plans for a $5 billion factory under construction in the Georgia area. The plant will focus on assembling the R2, along with the planned R3 and R3X models. Construction has been underway at the site, with the company noting that early orders indicate strong demand for the vehicles.

Financially, Rivian faced a mixed quarter. Total revenue rose to $1.53 billion, a 38% increase from the same period last year. However, the company reported a net loss of $2.23 billion, up from $1.91 billion in the prior year period. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $5.55 billion, down from $7.75 billion in the previous quarter.

Production volumes for the R2 reached 7,990 units in the third quarter. This figure represents a 48% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The company noted that the R2's price point and features contributed to its growth, while the overall vehicle delivery total for the quarter was 20,760 units.

The Georgia plant, located in the Atlanta area, will be a major hub for Rivian's operations. The facility is designed to produce up to 300,000 vehicles annually. Construction is progressing, with the company stating that the site is on track for early production. The plant will also serve as a center for the R2's sister models, which are expected to launch in the coming years.

Rivian also announced that its partnership with Volkswagen will continue to support the company's growth. The German automaker holds a stake in Rivian and is a key supplier for the R2 platform. The company said the collaboration would help Rivian scale production and reduce costs as it expands its manufacturing footprint.

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