Geez, I read that in what I am 100% sure was the voice with proper tone and inflection of the person who composed it – it’s the tweet equivalent of a form letter as well – can that place be any more obviously a sham?
That’s what all of the interviews are like, basically enthusiasm with a side of drivel, that’s pretty much what an “R.J.” interview consists of along with a healthy dose of “just wait and see, BIG things are coming soon”. That schtick has been going on for YEARS. Do some research on this guy, he is a real con artist, that, he is excellent at. The only thing at all legit about him is his education, and that might only be because I have not delved deep enough. he’s 34, and his only job has been the head of the Pretend Car Company, I mean, Mainstream Motors, no wait, it’s Avera, and now Rivian Three name changes and zero cars – what an amazing “Champion of Change” as he was declared to be by the Obama White House…
Here’s a little history of the wonder car/truck/SUV – found through a SIMPLE 1 minute search ages ago
In 2011, Scaringe said the company had plans to release a car with cost in the mid-US$20,000 range and gas mileage of up to 60 miles per gallon.[8] Rivian planned to release its first production car in 2013, with other models following in 2014.[9] These cars were never released. The company subsequently shifted its focus to autonomous electric vehicles. It plans to start production in the fourth quarter of 2019.[1]
In December 2017, Rivian announced their intentions to build both a SUV and pick-up truck on the same platform. The truck would launch first, followed by the seven-passenger SUV.[6]
In May 2018, Rivian stated that they planned to name their upcoming truck and SUV the A1T and A1C respectively.[10] The A1T will be able to sprint from 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, wade through 3.6 feet of water and climb a 45-percent incline. Both vehicles will be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November, 2018. The base trim will include a range of 200 miles and the top trim will have upwards of 400 miles.
I can’t find anything that shows that they actually had anything at the LA show either….
That’s interesting reading Ronin! Sounds to me like There’s a better chance of Marvin the Martian building a Eludium 238 Explosive Space Modulator then Rivian building a automobile of ANY kind!
A new sign, WOW! now that’s PROGRESS, next thing they’ll get a lawn mower and cut their OWN grass! I don’t see ALL those VW’s going out of the lot in a hurry..
R.J. was on Bloomberg and the EDC didn’t promote on social media or even notice. Not even a retweet or like on Twitter from the EDC or Town or Normal. What happened? Rivian was their baby. Is the EDC and Town of Normal hedging their bet? Or, are they just clueless about what’s going on?
But what if you’re all wrong? Are you all that confident in your opinions? And will you, if they’re successful, celebrate their success and the economic benefit to our community? I’m not willing to be so harsh in my judgement and willing to take a wait and see approach. All of the incentives are performance based and it doesn’t look easy. And it’s not like anyone was receiving significant property taxes from the abandoned property before. This was easy to find:
2.02. The Company agrees to invest not less than $40,500,000 in and employ not less than 500 employees at the Property
during the Project. The annual tax abatement under this Section is effective only if the following conditions are satisfied for the
corresponding years:
(1) 2017 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2017, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
of the total amount paid by the Company for the purchase of the Property, including all land, building and contents, and that
the Company has invested $500,000 in Project Expenses;
(2) 2018 Property Taxes the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2018, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $10,000,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2018, of 35 Full Time Employees;
(3) 2019 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2019, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $22,000,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2019, of 75 Full Time Employees;
(4) 2020 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2020, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $32,000,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2020, of 300 Full Time Employees;
and,
(5) 2021 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2021, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $40,500,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2021, of 500 Full Time Employees
with an average weekly salary equal to or greater than the average weekly salary in McLean County.
On the off chance they’re both legit and successful, I’m sure everyone here will be genuinely thrilled though somewhat surprised.
I’m glad the contract doesn’t grant them direct money, but disappointed it makes no mention of any production requirements, local hiring, etc, or what constitutes ‘Project Expenses’. The cynic in me says so long as they can get ‘environmentally friendly grants’ with similarly vague requirements, they can use those to meet the requirements here, including full-time but minimum wage ‘attendance optional’ jobs for Rivian insiders and people like mayors’ nephews, council members’ cousins and the like…
To what end, Very Concerned Citizen? A continued tax scam? Paying these people and investing in the plant is costing more than what they’re saving on taxes. So, why do it?
Geez, I read that in what I am 100% sure was the voice with proper tone and inflection of the person who composed it – it’s the tweet equivalent of a form letter as well – can that place be any more obviously a sham?
Cleantechnica did an interview with R.J. Scaringe a few days ago. After reading it you know nothing more about Rivian just lots of wait and see.
That’s what all of the interviews are like, basically enthusiasm with a side of drivel, that’s pretty much what an “R.J.” interview consists of along with a healthy dose of “just wait and see, BIG things are coming soon”. That schtick has been going on for YEARS. Do some research on this guy, he is a real con artist, that, he is excellent at. The only thing at all legit about him is his education, and that might only be because I have not delved deep enough. he’s 34, and his only job has been the head of the Pretend Car Company, I mean, Mainstream Motors, no wait, it’s Avera, and now Rivian Three name changes and zero cars – what an amazing “Champion of Change” as he was declared to be by the Obama White House…
Here’s a little history of the wonder car/truck/SUV – found through a SIMPLE 1 minute search ages ago
In 2011, Scaringe said the company had plans to release a car with cost in the mid-US$20,000 range and gas mileage of up to 60 miles per gallon.[8] Rivian planned to release its first production car in 2013, with other models following in 2014.[9] These cars were never released. The company subsequently shifted its focus to autonomous electric vehicles. It plans to start production in the fourth quarter of 2019.[1]
In December 2017, Rivian announced their intentions to build both a SUV and pick-up truck on the same platform. The truck would launch first, followed by the seven-passenger SUV.[6]
In May 2018, Rivian stated that they planned to name their upcoming truck and SUV the A1T and A1C respectively.[10] The A1T will be able to sprint from 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, wade through 3.6 feet of water and climb a 45-percent incline. Both vehicles will be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November, 2018. The base trim will include a range of 200 miles and the top trim will have upwards of 400 miles.
I can’t find anything that shows that they actually had anything at the LA show either….
have, not had, soon, though had will be correct, because somehow I don’t see it – but I’m sure there will be more hype about NEXT year.
Who’s paying the 2 security cops that ride around the parking lot all day?
Heaven forbid someone steals a recalled VW!!
Isn’t Normal?
That’s interesting reading Ronin! Sounds to me like There’s a better chance of Marvin the Martian building a Eludium 238 Explosive Space Modulator then Rivian building a automobile of ANY kind!
A new sign, WOW! now that’s PROGRESS, next thing they’ll get a lawn mower and cut their OWN grass! I don’t see ALL those VW’s going out of the lot in a hurry..
One would THINK they could at least produce a lawn mower…..
Rivian is a perfect example of how politicians can so easily be scammed.
Yep, the only consolation is, Normal isn’t the first town they have scammed.
R.J. was on Bloomberg and the EDC didn’t promote on social media or even notice. Not even a retweet or like on Twitter from the EDC or Town or Normal. What happened? Rivian was their baby. Is the EDC and Town of Normal hedging their bet? Or, are they just clueless about what’s going on?
My guess is clueless, they are not a very bright bunch – they just ACT like they are and the sheep nod their woolly heads.
But what if you’re all wrong? Are you all that confident in your opinions? And will you, if they’re successful, celebrate their success and the economic benefit to our community? I’m not willing to be so harsh in my judgement and willing to take a wait and see approach. All of the incentives are performance based and it doesn’t look easy. And it’s not like anyone was receiving significant property taxes from the abandoned property before. This was easy to find:
2.02. The Company agrees to invest not less than $40,500,000 in and employ not less than 500 employees at the Property
during the Project. The annual tax abatement under this Section is effective only if the following conditions are satisfied for the
corresponding years:
(1) 2017 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2017, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
of the total amount paid by the Company for the purchase of the Property, including all land, building and contents, and that
the Company has invested $500,000 in Project Expenses;
(2) 2018 Property Taxes the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2018, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $10,000,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2018, of 35 Full Time Employees;
(3) 2019 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2019, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $22,000,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2019, of 75 Full Time Employees;
(4) 2020 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2020, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $32,000,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2020, of 300 Full Time Employees;
and,
(5) 2021 Property Taxes for the Property shall be abated in full if, prior to 12/31/2021, Company provides Satisfactory Proof
that it has invested $40,500,000 in Project Expenses and has a head count, as of 12/31/2021, of 500 Full Time Employees
with an average weekly salary equal to or greater than the average weekly salary in McLean County.
On the off chance they’re both legit and successful, I’m sure everyone here will be genuinely thrilled though somewhat surprised.
I’m glad the contract doesn’t grant them direct money, but disappointed it makes no mention of any production requirements, local hiring, etc, or what constitutes ‘Project Expenses’. The cynic in me says so long as they can get ‘environmentally friendly grants’ with similarly vague requirements, they can use those to meet the requirements here, including full-time but minimum wage ‘attendance optional’ jobs for Rivian insiders and people like mayors’ nephews, council members’ cousins and the like…
To what end, Very Concerned Citizen? A continued tax scam? Paying these people and investing in the plant is costing more than what they’re saving on taxes. So, why do it?