Dec. 8, 2025 | Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe interview; six EU leaders call to stop ICE ban
About this episode
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe discusses the future of autonomy in the automotive industry, emphasizing its potential to redefine vehicle ownership. He highlights Rivian's commitment to developing self-driving technology and the importance of software-defined architectures. The episode also covers the EU's push to soften its 2035 ICE ban, Volvo's CEO's stance on emissions targets, and the challenges faced by Canadian dealers investing in EV infrastructure amid low sales. Notable insights include the financial burdens on dealers and the evolving landscape of vehicle technology.
In the first part of an exclusive interview with Automotive News, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said the auto industry is on the verge of a self-driving revolution. Six countries call on the European Union to abandon its 2035 combustion engine ban. Plus, Canadian auto retailers have poured millions into electric vehicle infrastructure upgrades, but many say there’s been no return on investment.
Kelly Blue Book
"Kelly Blue Book Instant Cash Offer now has offer accelerator..."
Kelly Blue Book tells you how much a car is worth and gives news about cars.
Kelly Blue Book is a company that provides vehicle valuation and automotive market data.
Autotrader
"Kelly Blue Book Instant Cash Offer now has offer accelerator..."
Autotrader is a website where people can buy or sell cars.
Autotrader is an online marketplace for buying and selling cars.
EV infrastructure
"Canadian dealers spend millions on EV infrastructure for few sales..."
EV infrastructure is the network of places where you can charge an electric car.
EV infrastructure includes charging stations, power grids, and related services that support electric vehicle use.
Volvo
"On the EU to abandon its 2035 ice band. Volvo's CEO predicts a sales rebound in 2026..."
Volvo makes cars, trucks, and buses. They’re famous for safety features and are moving toward electric models.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for safety and increasingly electric vehicles.
autonomy redefining ownership
"We believe that autonomy is going to redefine how we think about vehicle ownership."
If cars can drive themselves, people might not need to own a car all the time; they could share or rent instead.
Autonomy may change vehicle ownership models, possibly moving toward shared or subscription-based access.
Rivian
"exclusive interview with Rivian CEO, RJ Scarage..."
Rivian builds electric pickup trucks and SUVs. They’re a newer company aiming to compete with established automakers.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle startup focused on trucks and SUVs.
self-driving revolution
"exclusive interview with Rivian CEO... who says the auto industry is on the verge of a self-driving revolution."
Self-driving cars can drive on their own, which could change how we use and own vehicles.
The self-driving revolution refers to the shift toward autonomous vehicles that can drive themselves with minimal human input.
Stellantis
"Automakers like Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Renault have billions at stake."
Stellantis owns brands like Jeep, Dodge, Peugeot, and Citroën. It’s one of the world’s largest car makers.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA.
Volkswagen
"Automakers like Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Renault have billions at stake."
Volkswagen makes cars like the Golf and Passat. They’re also producing electric models under the ID brand.
Volkswagen is a German automaker known for models like the Golf and Passat, and its electric ID series.
Renault
"Automakers like Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Renault have billions at stake."
Renault makes cars like the Clio and Zoe. They’re a major European car company.
Renault is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and electric vehicles.
CO2 credits
"We expected that we could go out and sell these cars and that there also would be value with the CO2 credits that we in that way could sell and finance the development."
Companies that cut emissions can earn credits and sell them to others who need to balance their pollution.
Carbon credits that companies earn by reducing emissions, which can be sold to offset others’ pollution.
EV
"Canadian auto retailers have poured millions into EV infrastructure upgrades, but many say there's been no return on investment."
An EV is a car that runs on electric power instead of gasoline.
Electric Vehicle, a car powered primarily by electricity stored in batteries.
Chevrolet
"The green is dealer principle at high country Chevrolet in Alberta."
Chevrolet makes many types of cars and trucks. It’s a well-known American brand.
Chevrolet is an American brand under General Motors, producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to trucks.
chargers
"He told a federal committee he spent $200,000 on chargers, heavy duty hoist and electric upgrades required by GM."
Chargers are the plugs and stations that let you charge an electric car’s battery.
Electrical devices that provide power to recharge electric vehicles.
heavy duty hoist
"He told a federal committee he spent $200,000 on chargers, heavy duty hoist and electric upgrades required by GM."
A hoist is a machine that lifts heavy things, like cars or big parts, to help with repairs.
A powerful lifting device used to raise heavy equipment or vehicles during maintenance.
forklifts
"As you mentioned, they have to buy forklifts if you can believe it."
A forklift is a big, motorized machine that can lift and move heavy stuff around the dealership, like batteries or cars.
Forklifts are industrial lift trucks used in automotive dealerships to move heavy items like batteries, parts, and vehicles between storage areas and service bays.
battery tables
"Some automakers now requiring dealers to have a forklift in every service bay to move batteries around. If need be, they need battery tables."
Battery tables are sturdy work surfaces where technicians can place car batteries while they charge or fix them.
Battery tables are specialized workbenches in service bays designed to safely hold and support automotive batteries during charging, testing, or replacement.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"He invited a thousand customers to come and check out EVs. 30 showed up, no one bought one and he's only sold three over the last three years."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline, so they need special chargers to fill their batteries.
Electric vehicles are cars powered entirely or partially by electric motors and rechargeable batteries, requiring specialized charging infrastructure.
Mazda
"So for example, a brand like Mazda that might not have very many electrified vehicles in their portfolio now hasn't required much upfront cost..."
Mazda makes cars that are fun to drive and now has some models with electric or hybrid power. They’re adding more electric options in the future.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for models like the Mazda3, CX-5, and the rotary-powered RX-7. The company has been expanding its lineup to include more electrified vehicles such as the MX‑30 and upcoming hybrids.
electric vehicle charging infrastructure
"If you want to sell internal combustion engine vehicles, you must equip your stores with electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the other requirements."
To sell electric cars, dealers need places where people can plug their cars in to charge. This means installing special chargers and the power lines that feed them.
This refers to the network of charging stations and equipment that allow electric vehicles (EVs) to recharge their batteries. It includes wall chargers, fast chargers, and the electrical wiring needed in dealerships or retail locations.
Riveon
"Not just for Riveon, but I'd say for the automotive industry in general..."
Riveon is a company that builds software and hardware to help cars drive themselves, especially for trucks and delivery vans.
Riveon is a technology company focused on developing autonomous driving solutions, particularly for commercial vehicles and fleet operations.
Waymo
"And now I guess what we see in a Waymo vehicle in a robot taxi..."
Waymo is a company that builds self‑driving cars. They run robotaxi services where you can hail a car that drives itself.
Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google’s parent company) that develops autonomous vehicle technology. It operates robotaxi services and tests self‑driving cars on public roads.
robot taxi
"And now I guess what we see in a Waymo vehicle in a robot taxi..."
A robot taxi is like a regular taxi, but the driver is replaced by a computer. You can book it and sit back while it takes you to your destination.
A robot taxi is a self‑driving vehicle that provides on‑demand transportation services, similar to traditional taxis but operated without a human driver.
perception platform
"You need to have complete control of the perception platform. You need to be building an AI centric approach..."
The perception platform is the car’s “eyes and ears.” It uses cameras, lasers, and radar to see other cars, pedestrians, and road signs so the vehicle can drive safely.
A perception platform is the collection of sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radar) and software that allows an autonomous vehicle to detect and understand its surroundings. It is critical for safe navigation.
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