We don’t know if the big man is looking for a new ride or not, but when that time comes – for a new set of wheels, that is – he’ll probably get a call from his new friends at electric-vehicle maker Rivian.
Recently, the folks at Amazon (yes, the online seller of everything) but on a show of high-tech gadgets and gizmos. Not just their own products like Alexa, but other game-changing devices, products and services. One of the companies in attendance was Rivian, which has joined companies like Tesla in manufacturing super-cool, all-electric vehicles.
Unlike Tesla, Rivian’s first product was not a car, but a pair of full-sized vehicles, an SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle and a pickup truck. The Rivian R1S SUV is a full-sized, 7-passenger vehicle with the looks of a sporty, luxury brand like Range Rover. While it’s fully electric, the company website says the R1S can “wade” through water up to three feet deep – quite an accomplishment for a full-electric vehicle. The R1T pickup truck boasts the same stats, with plenty of room for a weekend run to Home Depot out back.
So a vehicle (and company) that want to show off just how big it is needs a big star to show it off, right? That’s where Shaq comes in. Visiting the Amazon event – called re:Mars for reasons we don’t quite understand – he tried the Rivian R1T on for size. Verdict: Shaq fits! No word yet if the big man wants to buy one of his own, but he sure looks stylish behind the wheel!
If fact, Rivian company reps were quick to snap some photos of the big man sitting comfortably inside the big pickup. The pic on the company’s Twitter feed said just that: “Shaq fits.” Nice work making it comfy for Shaq’s 7’1″, 300+ pound frame. Shaq himself posted a video of the event on his Instagram account.
Shaq isn’t the first to take notice of this up-and-coming brand. Singer Rihanna attended Rivian’s invitation-only party before the opening of the New York International Auto Show back in April.
Right now, the vehicles are being offered on a pre-order basis, but plenty of folks are stepping up to plunk down a deposit for one of the new Rivian all-electric rides. Some companies have struggled (and failed) in trying to deliver electric vehicles that are completely ready for “prime time.” Rivian seems to be doing better than most other startups. Some of that success is because the company has much-needed cash on hand. Amazon – sponsor of the re:Mars event where Rivian got to show off – invested $700 million in the company earlier this year.