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Rivian eyeing Fort Worth, Texas, as location for its next factory

The $5 billion project would create upward of 7,500 jobs and provide a big economic boost to whichever city is selected.

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Rivian could soon be doubling down on US production facilities.

Rivian

It was a big deal when Tesla announced its plans to open a second US vehicle production facility in Austin, Texas. It looks as though that decision may have started a trend because, according to a report published on Wednesday by Automotive News, Rivian might be getting ready to do the same, only not in the state capitol.

Yep, that's right. Word 'round the campfire is that EV startup Rivian is considering building a second factory in Texas, which would join its primary production facility in Michigan and speaks to the brand's intentions to expand its lineup. However, the company wouldn't confirm that explicitly.

"Rivian is in discussions with multiple locations as part of a competitive process for siting a second manufacturing facility," said Jim Chen, vice president of public policy for Rivian, in a statement. "This may include Rivian being involved in certain public-facing processes at potential locations. Involvement in these processes does not indicate a final decision."

So, yeah, the company is being pretty cagey, but it's being speculated that the facility would cost around $5 billion to build and create upward of 7,500 jobs by 2027, so it's easy to see why a city like Fort Worth (or any number of other cities in contention for the factory) would be interested.

Rivian is expected to start delivering its first customer R1T trucks before the end of 2021, with the R1S SUV following soon after.

Rivian R1T electric truck gets its desert on

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Watch this: The R1T concept from Rivian is the electric truck we've been waiting for
Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
Kyle Hyatt
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).

Article updated on August 12, 2021 at 3:48 PM PDT

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Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
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