EV Maker Rivian Cuts 1.5% of Jobs Before R2 Production Start

Rivian Automotive Inc. is cutting a small portion of its workforce as the electric-vehicle maker nears the launch of a more affordable midsize SUV, the R2.

A Rivian spokesperson confirmed the layoffs, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which account for less than 1.5% of the company’s workforce. As of last year, Rivian employed about 15,000 people.

“We have made some recent changes to the commercial team as part of an ongoing effort to improve operational efficiency for R2,” a Rivian spokesperson said.

The commercial team includes the sales and service side of Rivian, and related positions. The ...