Rivian's Delay of Ocean Coast Delivery Causes Dissatisfaction Among Preorder Holders - Switching to Forest Edge Without Credit Is Not Reasonable
Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has recently announced that its Ocean Coast interior will be delayed until fall 2021. This news has been met with disappointment by many preorder holders who had expected an earlier delivery date. As a result, some have asked if they can switch to the Forest Edge interior at no charge since both interiors are now priced at $2,000 on the configurator.
It is understandable why this request has been made; however, it may not be reasonable for Rivian to honor it. If one were to use today's pricing as a comparison, then all other options would also need to be paid for at their new prices in order to be fair. It would not be fair to cherry-pick and ask for a lower old price and a newer credit.
For example, Launch Edition reservations included basic 20 or 22 inch wheels with no upcharge. The dark wheels were not available at any discount so the perceived $1,800 value of the free wheel upgrade was not something that could be used to offset the $3,500 dark option. Similarly, when the preorder was placed, both Black Mountain and Ocean Coast interiors were offered at no extra cost while Forest Edge was a $2,000 upgrade. Therefore, asking Rivian to provide a free substitution of Forest Edge for Ocean Coast would require them to offer discounts across the board which is likely unreasonable.
Rivian has already stated that customers must either wait for Ocean Coast or switch to Forest Edge without rebates or credits being given out. While this may seem unfair, it is important to remember that these decisions are ultimately up to Rivian and cannot always be negotiated by customers.
It is also important to note that Rivian has been very generous with its preorder customers. For example, they have offered free upgrades such as the tow package and a $1,000 credit for those who had already paid for it. They have also provided additional credits of up to $2,500 on top of the original reservation amount in order to help offset any price increases since preordering began.
In conclusion, while it may be understandable why some are asking Rivian to provide Forest Edge at no charge due to the delay in Ocean Coast availability; however this request is likely unreasonable given today's pricing structure and would require discounts across all options which could not be justified by using old prices as comparison points. Therefore customers must either wait or switch without rebates or credits being given out from Rivian’s side.
Are Ocean Coast and Forest Edge interiors the same value on the configurator?
Yes, both interiors are currently listed as a $2000 upgrade on the configurator.
Is it reasonable to request that Rivian allow customers who have waited for years for one color to switch to the other color at no charge?
No, it is not reasonable. If you want to use today’s pricing and say Ocean Coast and Forest Edge are both upgrades then you have to take all of the current pricing which has increased across the board. You cannot cherry pick and say well now Ocean Coast gets a $2000 credit but I want the old price on other things.
Was there an email saying that customers would not be receiving rebates?
Yes, there was an email specifically saying that customers would not be receiving rebates. Wait or switch are the only options.
Is there any way to get a refund for the difference in price between Ocean Coast and Forest Edge?
Unfortunately, no. Rivian has stated that they will not be offering refunds for the difference in price between Ocean Coast and Forest Edge.
Are there any other options available to customers who have already paid for their vehicles?
Yes, customers can wait until their vehicle is delivered and then contact Rivian customer service to discuss potential options.
What kind of options are available to customers who have already paid for their vehicles?
Depending on the individual situation, customers may be able to receive a credit towards future purchases or services from Rivian. Additionally, customers may be able to switch their interior color at no additional cost if it is still available.
Is it possible to switch from Ocean Coast to Forest Edge without paying an extra fee?
Yes, it is possible to switch from Ocean Coast to Forest Edge without paying an extra fee as long as the interior color is still available. Customers should contact Rivian customer service directly to discuss this option.
Does Rivian offer any incentives for customers who have waited for years for one color but now want to switch to the other color?
Yes, Rivian does offer incentives for customers who have waited for years for one color but now want to switch to the other color. These incentives may include credits towards future purchases or services from Rivian, or a free switch of interior colors if it is still available. Customers should contact Rivian customer service directly to discuss these options.