Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, was impacted by an EF-1 tornado over the weekend, causing damage primarily to “Building 2,” where the R2 SUV is produced. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and staff are currently assessing the damage. Operations in that building have been temporarily suspended but are expected to resume later this week. CEO RJ Scaringe praised employees for adhering to safety protocols during the emergency.
Photos indicate significant roof damage to the facility. While the temporary closure will disrupt in-building operations, Rivian has not confirmed whether it will affect the R2’s release schedule, expected in the coming weeks. The company’s spokesperson mentioned plans to resume operations in Building 2 soon, while other facilities continue functioning normally.
Rivian is banking on the R2 SUV to help mitigate its quarterly financial losses, aiming to sell 20,000 to 25,000 units by year-end and become the fastest new electric vehicle launch in the U.S. after Tesla’s Model Y. Meanwhile, Rivian is constructing a new factory outside Atlanta, Georgia, to support the R2 and a future hatchback model, R3, with production set to begin in 2028.
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