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Thursday is upon us as we talk about another EV-only carmaker announcing layoffs. We also talk about Ford’s new model year for the F150 Lightning, as well as a potential standard-setter for employee AI training.
Show Notes with links:
- It seems Tesla isn’t the only non-Dealership model EV maker laying off staff as Rivian is making its second round of job cuts this year, impacting about 150 support and back-office roles to align with market demands.
- This decision follows a 10% reduction in salaried staff earlier, targeting product and commercial EV teams, as the company faces high interest rates and production scaling issues.
- Rivian aims to achieve gross margin positivity by year-end, despite current economic headwinds and reduced consumer demand for EVs.
- In an emailed statement, Rivian said, ““We continue to work to right-size the business and ensure alignment to our priorities. This was a difficult decision, but a necessary one to support our goal to be gross margin positive by the end of the year.”
- Earlier this week, Tesla’s Elon Musk said on Twitter that laying off 10% of their staff was an action that needs to be done every five years or so to align the company for the next stage of growth
- As the model year cycle ticks another year forward, Ford is opening online orders for the 2024 model of the F150 Lightning, featuring new tech enhancements and reduced pricing.
- Following a temporary stop-ship for quality checks Ford has shipments of the 2024 F-150 Lightning from its Rouge Electric Vehicle facility
- The starting
- The electric pickup starts at just over $54k for its Pro model and has also seen price reductions up to $5,500 on select trims, with the new Flash trim now starting at $67,995 featuring the highest range available at 320 miles
- Enhanced features include convenience features like a charging display that estimates time to finish, a Vapor Heat Pump System for improved efficiency, and expanded access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
- IKEA is potentially setting a new benchmark in employee development with a comprehensive AI literacy initiative aimed at equipping its workforce with essential skills to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
- IKEA has launched AI literacy training targeting 3,000 co-workers and 500 leaders to foster a deep understanding of artificial intelligence within the organization.
- The training includes courses like AI Fundamentals and specialized programs on Generative AI and Responsible AI and Algorithmic Training for Ethics.
- IKEA introduces 'Hej Copilot', an AI tool developed with Microsoft, enhancing productivity by assisting employees with various tasks.
- "Our vision is clear. It’s about enhancing the capabilities of co-workers through technology," states Parag Parekh, chief digital officer at IKEA Retail
Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.
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