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Rivian — a company that designs, develops and manufactures electric vehicles and accessories, and sells them directly to customers in the consumer and commercial markets — is expected to open its first service center in Hawaii at Kapalama Kai by summer 2024.
According to an announcement from Kapalama Kai, the 15,181-square-foot facility, located a block from Dillingham Plaza at 1603 Dillingham Blvd., "will be fully equipped to manage vehicle deliveries, along with comprehensive bumper-to-bumper maintenance and repairs for Rivian’s R1 vehicles and commercial vans."
Rivian, which was founded in 2009, is known for its "tailored online ordering system and direct-to-consumer approach," the announcement noted. Its lineup includes the electric R1T pickup and R1S sports utility vehicle.
To assist customers, the company offers both remote and field service, efforts backed by a fleet of service technicians who can perform a majority of service needs at customers' homes or wherever their vehicles may be, according to the announcement.
"The Honolulu Service Center will serve as the headquarters for Rivian's Hawaii Service Team, as well as accommodating the company's Vehicle Operations, Delivery and Mobile Operations teams for the local region," the announcement read.
According to the announcement, the new service center is a key element of Rivian’s strategy to expand its service network by more than 100% in the upcoming year. The company is actively recruiting for service technicians and support staff for the location, with plans to bring on several dozen local employees, the announcement further noted.
“We’re excited to begin the development of our Honolulu Service Center, which will provide full service to Rivian vehicles on the island of Oahu,” Noe Mejia, vice president of Service Operations at Rivian, said in a statement. “In addition to Oahu, this service center will serve as a hub for mobile service throughout the state.”
Kapalama Kai is a mixed-use community made up of 104 acres of commercial lands owned by Kamehameha Schools in the Kapalama ahupuaa.
“Enhancing the resiliency of Kapalama Kai requires attracting businesses and opportunities that spark innovation and drive industry growth,” Bobbie Lau, senior asset manager at Kamehameha Schools, said in a statement. “Being home to Rivian’s first Hawaii location aligns with our vision for Kapalama Kai as an innovative community dedicated to ensuring the health and vibrancy of aina while setting the foundation for a comprehensive multimodal transportation hub.”