Daily Slideshow: With the recent unveiling of Rivian's electric adventure truck, many have questioned whether the startup is going into a pickup truck rivalry with Ford.
Fair Comparison?
Rivian have seemingly pioneered a new approach to the pickup truck market with the introduction of the R1T. But despite the concerns that many have brought up about Rivian taking food away from Ford's table, in truth, Rivian does not really pose a threat to the likes of Ford. Here's why...
Reputation
As cool as the startup's new products are, at the end of the day, people would rather choose to buy the product they know from the brand they trust. And when it comes to real pickup trucks, there is no brand more trusted than Ford.
>>Join the conversation about Santa turning to Ford pickups right here in Ford-trucks.com
Brand Loyalty
And that trust also garners loyalty. Most of us are die-hard Ford truck enthusiasts because of our positive experience with the brand's products over the span of decades.
>>Join the conversation about Santa turning to Ford pickups right here in Ford-trucks.com
Practicality
If Rivian's production trucks are to be close to their show cars, they are sure going to be some cool vehicles. But let's face it, that $100,000 price tag doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the owner to really throw the truck around and have some fun. Ford trucks, on the other hand, can do it all. They can haul heavy cargo, they can handle some off-road fun, and they can be stylish and cool to look at.
>>Join the conversation about Santa turning to Ford pickups right here in Ford-trucks.com
Price Range
The Rivian R1T is expected to cost between $80,000 to $100,000. That kind of money can get you the most decked out Ford truck to roll out of the factory, and still leave you cash for a couple of proper dirt bikes to load onto the back of the truck and head out for an adventure. So the Rivian doesn't really compete with any specific Ford truck on the market.
>>Join the conversation about Santa turning to Ford pickups right here in Ford-trucks.com
A real Contender?
Realistically, the Rivian electric trucks are meant to be novelty products more than anything. Sure, they will make for cool, pretty, fast, and fun trucks for whoever wants to fork over the dough. But I think it's safe to say that most of us will be continuing as customers of the best-selling vehicles in America, the Ford F-Series.
>>Join the conversation about Santa turning to Ford pickups right here in Ford-trucks.com
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