If you read our first edition of Inter.Com, you will have heard about our enterprise-wide sustainability programme – Cox Conserves.

Climate change continues to be one of the most pressing issues of our time, and Cox Conserves strives to deliver meaningful environmental change within our global organisation. Its goal is to be carbon and water neutral by 2034 and to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2024.

Outside of Cox Automotive, the Cox family is deeply committed to drive environmental change and has invested nearly $300 million in eco-conscious businesses outside of the automotive industry. These include Carbon Lighthouse, Brightfarms and Sierra Energy.

Rivian is developing vehicles, technology and services that inspire people to get out and explore the world in a sustainable way.

With financial backing from high-profile investors such as Cox Automotive and Amazon since its inception in 2009, Rivian has opened a manufacturing plant and developed commercial and consumer electric vehicles (EV).

Rivian describes itself as a ‘high-end electric vehicle maker for an adventurous crowd’ and the company has two consumer vehicles set to hit the market this summer: the R1S SUV and the R1T pick-up truck. Both vehicles have all-wheel drive, can drive off-road and are the first of their kind within the consumer marketplace.

The company is also working on a network of fast-charging stations located on main roads, as well as near off-roading spots, hiking trails and parks.

Our focus is on learning everything we can about electric cars and trucks – so the automotive ecosystem is prepared for the large-scale consumer and commercial uptake of electric vehicles.

We will learn how to inspect, prepare and value a fleet of electric cars – and then apply those learnings to our customers.

Our $350 million investment in Rivian aligns with our commitment to continue partnering with our dealers, embracing innovation and investing in technology that is sustainable and reduces our environmental impact.

We know that the automotive industry won’t look the same in 20, 10 or even five years from now. By investing in emerging companies such as Rivian, we are ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the certain changes within the advancement of battery technology, electric vehicles and fleet services.

It also makes sure that we can continue to support our customers within an ever-changing marketplace, as we work with Rivian to learn more about electric vehicles and advancements in battery technology.

In 2019, Amazon contracted Rivian to build a fleet of 100,000 battery-powered delivery vans by 2030. The first vans are now being used in Los Angeles, San Francisco and most recently Oklahoma – and the plan is to have as many as 10,000 vans in operation by early 2022.

Other investors include BlackRock, T.Rowe Price, Fidelity and Ford.

Dealers are counting on us to learn about this new ecosystem within the automotive industry, and to develop products that help them navigate the change and thrive in the future.

On top of this, we have always been relied upon to provide accurate and trusted vehicle valuations.

As advancement in electrical vehicles continues, assessing battery life and value will become a huge part of the valuation process. We plan to develop battery testing capabilities to guide the industry on EV valuations. This will initially take place through our MMR and KBB.com businesses within the United States.

WHO IS RIVIAN?

HOW WILL WE WORK WITH RIVIAN?

WHY HAVE WE INVESTED?

WHO ELSE HAS INVESTED IN RIVIAN?

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WHAT IMPACT WILL OUR INVESTMENT HAVE ON OUR CUSTOMERS?