By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Normal Mayor Chris Koos is not saying, “I told you so,” but Koos said he’s known for quite some time that electric vehicle maker Rivian is the real deal.
The mayor said Friday’s announcement of the Amazon led investment of $700 million in the fledgling company is an indication that Rivian decision-makers know what they’re doing.
“With a significant investment like this, it really boosts their ability to deliver that product, but they’ve still got a long way to go. Getting a car to market is very, very difficult and very capital intensive, but I have faith that they will get it done,” said Koos.
Rivian, based in Plymouth Michigan, plans to build the R1T pick-up truck and the R1S SUV at its plant, which used to be the Mitsubishi Motors factory in west Normal.
Koos attended the Hollywood-style unveiling of both vehicles just after Thanksgiving at the Los Angeles Auto Show, costing the town government $2,326 for the three day trip, according to City Manager Pamela Reece. She said the mayor’s annual travel budget is about $8,000.
Local taxing bodies agreed to rebate all of Rivian’s property taxes for five years, part of an incentive package requiring the company to meet investment and employment benchmarks. Rivian pledges to hire 1,000 people to work at the local plant.
“Rivian has always delivered more jobs than were required by their agreement with the county, and the town, and the taxing bodies in terms of rebates,” said Koos.
“They’ve always been ahead of schedule, so I just think this will continue that,” the mayor said.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
