October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Can Rivian and NIO Keep Growing Through an EV Downturn?

Rivian and NIO have posted growth, but the evidence points to progress—not immunity from weaker EV demand, execution setbacks or ongoing losses.
Entry914 Date Time5 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The March 10, 2026 headline “Rivian, NIO Leap On View They Can Shake Off EV Downturn” described an early share-price surge, not proof that either automaker had escaped the risks facing electric-vehicle makers. Rivian’s anticipated R2 launch and NIO’s reported profit milestone were the catalysts cited at the time. Subsequent results show strong delivery growth at both companies, but also leave important questions about demand, launch execution and sustained profitability.

What the March 2026 headline actually said

Investor’s Business Daily published the headline on March 10, 2026, amid reports that Rivian and NIO shares rose more than 12% early that Tuesday. Coverage associated Rivian’s move with the coming R2 launch and NIO’s with its first quarterly profit. That explains the market narrative of the day; it does not establish that either catalyst alone caused the share move or that the reaction signaled a lasting change in investor expectations. Investor’s Business Daily coverage

What NIO’s deliveries and results show

Volume growth spans three brands

NIO Inc. reported 326,028 deliveries across NIO, ONVO and FIREFLY for 2025, up 46.9% year over year. On March 10, it forecast 80,000–83,000 deliveries and RMB24,482 million–RMB25,176 million in revenue for the first quarter of 2026. Those were preliminary management estimates, not results, and the company cautioned that they could change. NIO’s 2025 results and Q1 outlook

For Q2 2026, NIO reported 107,658 deliveries, up 49.4% year over year, and revenue of RMB32,136.9 million, up 69.1%. Its gross margin was 18.4%, compared with 10.0% in Q2 2025. Those figures indicate higher volume and an improved gross margin, but they do not by themselves establish lasting profitability.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
AMT 1962 Chevy Impala Convertible 1:25 Scale Model Kit
  • CLASSIC CONVERTIBLE: AMT's 1/25 scale 1962 Chevy Impala Convertible is great project for the experienced model builder who likes 60's classics. Add it to your collection today!
  • FEATURE PACKED: The 1962 Chevy Impala Convertible kit features pad-printed whitewall tires, stock rims and 5-spoke mag rims. Kit also includes ALL-NEW colorful decals and vintage style AMT packaging.
  • QUICK SPECS: 1/25 Scale. 116 parts. 8" long. Parts molded in white with clear, clear red and chrome plastic, plus metal axles and black vinyl tires. Skill level 2 – Suggested for modelers age 14+ PAINT AND GLUE REQUIRED.
  • THE PERFECT PRESENT: Don't know what to get dad for his birthday? Or maybe you have an avid hobbyist or collector in your life. This model kit makes an ideal gift for any occasion!

Adjusted profit is not GAAP profit

NIO reported a Q2 GAAP operating loss of RMB347.2 million and a GAAP net loss of RMB528.0 million. Separately, under its non-GAAP measures, it reported adjusted operating profit of RMB206.9 million and adjusted net profit of RMB26.1 million. The distinction matters: the company had positive adjusted operating profit while still reporting losses under GAAP. Its chief financial officer, Stanley Yu Qu, said the company maintained positive non-GAAP operating profit; that is NIO’s characterization of its adjusted measure, not a substitute for the GAAP result. NIO’s Q2 2026 results

Later deliveries support the growth case, not a verdict on earnings

On October 1, NIO reported 109,178 deliveries in Q3 and 300,301 deliveries in the first three quarters of 2026, up 49.2% year over year for the nine-month period. The delivery update strengthens the case that the company was expanding volume. It does not show whether that growth can translate into durable profits. NIO’s Q3 2026 delivery update

Rank #2
Tamiya 24123 1/24 Scale Sports Car Series Toyota Supra Model Kit (300024123)
  • 1: 24 scale
  • Glue and Paint sold separately
  • Plastic Model Kit-Assembly Required
  • TAM24123

As of June 30, 2026, NIO reported RMB56.7 billion in cash, restricted cash, short-term investments and long-term time deposits. Management said it believed those resources could support ordinary operations for the next twelve months. That is the company’s assessment, not a guarantee of future funding needs or financial performance. NIO’s Q2 2026 results

What Rivian’s R2 progress shows—and what remains uncertain

R2 has moved from anticipated launch to deliveries

Rivian delivered 12,194 vehicles in Q2 2026, while producing 12,613. It raised its full-year delivery guidance from 62,000–67,000 to 65,000–70,000 after the quarter. Rivian linked the result partly to R2 deliveries and also cited quarter-over-quarter growth in its electric delivery van and R1 lines. The revised range is company guidance, not a reported full-year outcome. Rivian’s Q2 2026 results

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
MPC Bobby Isaac 1972 Ford Torino Stock Car 1:25 Scale Model Kit
  • AUTHENTIC NASCAR REPLICA – Faithfully recreates Bobby Isaac’s Bud Moore–prepared 1972 Ford Torino racer.
  • FULL RACING CHASSIS – Includes complete roll cage, racing seat, fire bottle, and extinguisher.
  • DETAILED 351 FORD ENGINE – Deep sump oil pan, plenum intake, and racing headers included.
  • OPENING HOOD DISPLAY – Show off engine detail with functional hood and wide vinyl race tires.
  • VINTAGE MPC PACKAGING – Retro reproduction packaging with accurate remastered decals.

Rivian’s Q4 2025 shareholder letter described R2 and a planned third-generation autonomy platform as strategic priorities, with that platform expected in R2 in late 2026. The schedule and feature were plans, not completed milestones. The letter also relayed a Consumer Reports owner-satisfaction result: 85% of Rivian owners in the cited rating said they would buy the same vehicle again, 14 points above the next brand. That figure is attributed to Consumer Reports as reported by Rivian, not presented as a current independent survey verified here. Rivian’s Q4 2025 shareholder letter

Rivian’s own filing highlights execution and demand risks

Rivian’s SEC filing says it began R2 deliveries in Q2 2026, but warns that it cannot assure it will meet delivery targets. It also points to limited experience with product launches and ramping sales capabilities. A new model’s initial deliveries are a meaningful execution step; they do not eliminate the challenge of building production and sales at scale. Rivian’s SEC filing

Rank #4
Jada Toys JDM Tuners 1:24 Scale Die-Cast 1985 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Volk Racing, Opening Doors, Detailed Interior, Rubber Tires, Collectible for Ages 8+(White)
  • Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires
  • Our high - end casting method allows for feature rich details, such as an opening hood, doors , detailed interior, and trunk
  • Scale is 1:24
  • Collect them all
  • Suitable for ages 8+

The filing says weaker EV demand could contribute to lower sales, revenue shortfalls, inventory growth and price pressure. It identifies interest rates, tariffs, economic uncertainty, changes to incentives, insurance premiums, charging infrastructure and consumer perceptions among factors that may affect demand. These are risks the company disclosed, not evidence that each has already affected Rivian’s results. Rivian’s SEC filing

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to read the two companies’ growth side by side

Question NIO Rivian
What does the latest cited delivery evidence show? 300,301 deliveries across NIO, ONVO and FIREFLY in the first three quarters of 2026, up 49.2% year over year; NIO reported 109,178 Q3 deliveries. NIO, Oct. 1, 2026 12,194 Q2 2026 deliveries; Rivian raised its 2026 delivery guidance to 65,000–70,000. Rivian, July 2026
What does the cited evidence say about profitability? Q2 2026: 18.4% gross margin; RMB347.2 million GAAP operating loss; RMB206.9 million adjusted operating profit. NIO, Sept. 1, 2026 Comparable gross-margin and operating-profit figures are not stated in the cited Q2 results. Rivian’s revised delivery guidance is not a profitability measure. Rivian, July 2026
What is the key execution question? Whether delivery growth and improved gross margin can produce sustained profitability; the cited Q2 release does not resolve that question. Whether R2 can ramp reliably and support the company’s delivery targets, which Rivian says are not assured. Rivian SEC filing
What is the key demand exposure? The cited releases establish growth in deliveries, but do not provide a comparable measure of exposure by geography or brand for this comparison. Rivian’s filing lists market and ownership factors that may influence demand, including interest rates, incentives, insurance costs and charging infrastructure. Rivian SEC filing

The periods and measures are not fully like-for-like: NIO’s latest cited delivery figure covers nine months and its profit data covers Q2; Rivian’s cited deliveries and guidance are for Q2 and the full 2026 year. NIO’s delivery total combines three brands, while Rivian’s cited figure is company-wide. The available figures therefore support a comparison of growth and risks, not a clean ranking of business performance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
OPO 10 - 1/43 Scale Model car Compatible with Ford Gran Torino Sport 1972 - AC11
  • 1/43 scale car
  • Metal
  • Detailed and faithful reproduction of the original vehicle
  • Car screwed to base and presented in a display box

Can Rivian and NIO shake off a weaker EV market?

The evidence supports a qualified answer. NIO’s reported deliveries rose substantially, its Q2 gross margin improved year over year, and it produced positive adjusted operating profit—but GAAP operating and net losses remained. Rivian began R2 deliveries and raised its full-year delivery outlook, but its own filing warns that targets are uncertain and demand can weaken. Neither a day’s share-price jump, a strong delivery-growth rate nor one quarter of adjusted operating profit proves immunity to price competition, softer demand, launch delays or continued losses.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Tamiya 24123 1/24 Scale Sports Car Series Toyota Supra Model Kit (300024123)
Tamiya 24123 1/24 Scale Sports Car Series Toyota Supra Model Kit (300024123)
1: 24 scale; Glue and Paint sold separately; Plastic Model Kit-Assembly Required; TAM24123
$27.00
Bestseller No. 3
MPC Bobby Isaac 1972 Ford Torino Stock Car 1:25 Scale Model Kit
MPC Bobby Isaac 1972 Ford Torino Stock Car 1:25 Scale Model Kit
VINTAGE MPC PACKAGING – Retro reproduction packaging with accurate remastered decals.
$34.16
Bestseller No. 4
Jada Toys JDM Tuners 1:24 Scale Die-Cast 1985 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Volk Racing, Opening Doors, Detailed Interior, Rubber Tires, Collectible for Ages 8+(White)
Jada Toys JDM Tuners 1:24 Scale Die-Cast 1985 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Volk Racing, Opening Doors, Detailed Interior, Rubber Tires, Collectible for Ages 8+(White)
Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires; Scale is 1:24
$29.99
Bestseller No. 5
OPO 10 - 1/43 Scale Model car Compatible with Ford Gran Torino Sport 1972 - AC11
OPO 10 - 1/43 Scale Model car Compatible with Ford Gran Torino Sport 1972 - AC11
1/43 scale car; Metal; Detailed and faithful reproduction of the original vehicle; Car screwed to base and presented in a display box
$24.90

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date05 OCT 26Time4 minCan Kia's EVs Become Swiss Army Knives for Family Adventure?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date05 OCT 26Time4 minPickup Trucks That Can Tow 10,000 Pounds: 2026 Models and What to CheckSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date05 OCT 26Time3 minHow to Check Tire Tread: 3 Simple MethodsSection: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.