Rivian cuts dozens on manufacturing team ahead of R2 launch

Rivian has recently let go of approximately 140 employees, equating to about 1% of its total workforce, as it gears up for the anticipated launch of its budget-friendly R2 SUV, slated for 2026. This decision primarily impacted the manufacturing sector within the company and has been taking place since Wednesday, as reported by several former employees who requested anonymity. Sources indicate that some affected staff were informed that their positions were being eliminated due to identified 'process inefficiencies.' In an official communication to TechCrunch, Rivian acknowledged the layoffs, stating, "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 efficiency for R2." The company also encouraged those impacted to explore other available positions within Rivian. At the beginning of the year, Rivian's workforce comprised over 14,800 employees across North America and Europe, based on its annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission. This latest round of job cuts is part of a broader trend, following a 10% workforce reduction in early 2024 and another layoff affecting roughly 1% of staff in April 2024.