During the third quarter of 2024, we made progress advancing R2 development, driving greater efficiency in operating expenses, launching new R1 variants, investing in our go-to-market infrastructure, and introducing new services to further improve the customer experience. We continue to see cost progress from our second generation R1 vehicles which we expect to be represented in the fourth quarter when we anticipate achieving modest positive gross profit.
Rivian produced 13,157 vehicles and delivered 10,018 vehicles during the third quarter of 2024. As previously disclosed, Rivian is experiencing a production disruption due to a shortage of a shared component within our Enduro motor system on the R1 and RCV platforms. Our team has a strong sense of urgency in finding a solution as we work in close partnership with the supplier to ramp additional capacity to accommodate planned production.
Over the long-term we believe Rivian’s value will be determined by the scale it can reach with its midsize platform including the R2, R3, and R3X, as well as our ability to continue to reduce costs and develop differentiated technologies. Our midsize platform is expected to address global market segments and is designed to build upon our industry-leading technology platform as well as our focus on reducing manufacturing complexity and cost efficiency. Our team is laser-focused on executing the development plan for R2. The recent transition to our second generation R1 vehicles has implemented multiple new technologies which will serve as the foundation for our midsize platform such as our zonal network architecture and Rivian Autonomous Platform, positioning R2 for a simplified launch.
We believe the formation of the expected joint venture with Volkswagen Group will be a landmark development for the industry. The joint venture will benefit from Rivian's differentiated and well-proven zonal network architecture and full-stack software technologies as well as enhanced software and electrical architecture innovation. The upcoming partnership with Volkswagen Group validates Rivian’s technology leadership and creates new growth opportunities for Rivian to be a technology partner to other manufacturers.
The joint venture is expected to provide a meaningful financial opportunity for Rivian with a total deal size of approximately $5 billion, in addition to the annual operating expense savings Rivian expects to realize. The planned investments by Volkswagen Group in addition to our current cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments are expected to provide the capital to fund Rivian’s operations through the ramp of R2 in Normal, as well as the midsize platform in Georgia – enabling a path to positive free cash flow and meaningful scale. |