Rivian and Volkswagen are joining forces in Tesla’s home territory.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, a joint venture between the two automakers known as RV Tech, is on the hunt for a headquarters in Palo Alto, the San Francisco Business Times reported. The company is looking for at least 75,000 square feet of space, or about three floors of offices.
The company ended its consideration of a former Fry’s Electronics store. That site, at 340 Portage Avenue in the Silicon Valley city, is being redeveloped into offices, retail and housing. Developed by Sobrato, it is home to Tesla’s engineering hub.
Volkswagen’s $6 billion investment gains access to Rivian’s software and electrical systems, with the lower costs trickling down to other auto brands owned by Volkswagen like Porsche and Audi. Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.1, its smallest and most affordable electric vehicle yet, will use Rivian’s software designs, thus simplifying electronics and network architecture.
Rivian is being positioned as both an EV manufacturer and technology supplier through its RV Tech.
By planting its flag in Palo Alto, RV Tech would be located near Tesla’s engineers and potential hires from Stanford University. The company said it is looking for a headquarters to bolster its quick growth.
Though Tesla moved its corporate headquarters to Austin, Texas, the company has kept its engineering operations in the Palo Alto area.
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture xAI is also growing in the area, purportedly seeking at least 80,000 square feet near its headquarters and recruiting engineers, designers and technical staff for its Palo Alto offices.
RV Tech is based in Irvine and occupies about 70,000 square feet in Palo Alto, likely for research and development purposes.
— Chris Malone Méndez
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