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Elon Musk Warns Rivian and Lucid Are "Tracking Toward Bankruptcy," Need to Slash Costs Now

After a successful start, Rivian and Lucid appear stuck in a cash-strapped market with minimal momentum. In a recent interview, Elon Musk spoke about the two EV makers’ bleak perspectives, saying they are “tracking toward bankruptcy.”
Elon Musk warns Rivian and Lucid are “tracking toward bankruptcy” 6 photos
Photo: Tesla Owners Silicon Valley via Youtube
Elon Musk warns Rivian and Lucid are “tracking toward bankruptcy”Lucid AirLucid AirRivian R1TRivian R1T
Tesla’s success emboldened many other startups to build cars, with Rivian and Lucid among the most prominent examples. They’ve both got into the market with excellent products, like the Lucid Air and the Rivian R1T, highly praised by critics and the customers lucky enough to get them. Both were hit badly by challenging market conditions and supply chain problems. And despite offering great products, they are also burning through cash at an incredible rate.

That’s why Musk’s warning in the interview with podcasters Tesla Owners Silicon Valley and The Kilowatts did not come as a complete surprise. Musk actually issued a similar warning a year ago when Rivian announced plans for its second factory. It was disguised as a recommendation, but Musk speaks bluntly this time.

Unless something changes significantly with Rivian and Lucid, they will both go bankrupt. They are tracking toward bankruptcy,” said Musk during the interview. “I hope they are able to do something. Unless they cut their costs dramatically they are in deep trouble and will end up in the cemetery like every other car company with the exception of Tesla and Ford.”

Musk went further and compared Rivian and Lucid with an airplane on a glide path toward the ground unless they significantly change course. Tesla’s CEO did not offer more details, but cutting costs does seem to be Musk’s obsession these days. He recently announced the intention to trim Tesla’s workforce amid a “super bad feeling” about the economy.

The auto industry is trying hard to weather the perfect storm of stagflation, parts shortages, and other problems that caused even big players to pause production and delay deliveries. Trying to do the same while ramping up production will be more difficult, especially if the coffers run dry. Rivian, for instance, reported a net loss of $4.22 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021. The things went on in the first quarter of 2022, with a $1.6-billion net loss.

Going bankrupt does not have to be the end of the world, though. General Motors and Chrysler were both insolvent at the height of the 2008 financial crisis, and both emerged stronger. But Rivian and Lucid might not afford the luxury, as they are small employers with little impact on the market.

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About the author: Cristian Agatie
Cristian Agatie profile photo

After his childhood dream of becoming a "tractor operator" didn't pan out, Cristian turned to journalism, first in print and later moving to online media. His top interests are electric vehicles and new energy solutions.
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