Rivian Automotive Inc (NASDAQ:RIVN) confirmed plans to start building its US$5 billion Georgia factory early next year and will continue to open retail "spaces" in the coming months.
Based in California, the electric truck company only sells online due to Georgia's rules requiring auto manufacturers to have dealers.
But this week it opened an eighth of its 'spaces' physical locations, in Atlanta, Georgia, which allows customers to get touchy-feely with the EV, take test drives or buy merchandise.
Rivian said it plans additional locations in Colorado, Texas, and California in the next few months.
Its current factory in Normal, Illinois produces its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV.
The planned Georgia site, which will be situated east of Atlanta, is due to manufacture the new R2 mass-market model, which will have a lower price tag.