This just in...Rivian gets big backing from Amazon.

Electric truck and SUV maker Rivian just got an influx of $700 million in funding in an investment round led by none other than Amazon.

Though the investment round was led by Amazon, this doesn't rule out the possibility that General Motors was an investor too, as was previously reported here.

For Rivian, this means that the reality of its R1T electric truck and R1S electric SUV now become a step closer.

In the release on this funding announcement, Rivian CEO RJ Scaring states:

"This investment is an important milestone for Rivian and the shift to sustainable mobility. Beyond simply eliminating compromises that exist around performance, capability and efficiency, we are working to drive innovation across the entire customer experience. Delivering on this vision requires the right partners, and we are excited to have Amazon with us on our journey to create products, technology and experiences that reset expectations of what is possible."

Amazon CEO worldwide consumer, Jeff Wilke, adds:

"We're inspired by Rivian's vision for the future of electric transportation. RJ has built an impressive organization, with a product portfolio and technology to match. We're thrilled to invest in such an innovative company."

We're thrilled to see Rivian get this influx of cash and even more exciting to see that it comes from a major brand such as Amazon. This basically confirms our belief that Rivian is indeed the real deal. Rivian adds:

Rivian will remain an independent company. Amazon is leading the round, which includes participation from existing shareholders. Additional details about this investment are not being disclosed at this time.

Electric automaker Rivian has been around for a decade now, but it wasn't until the LA Auto Show when Rivian burst onto the scene.

More in the press blast below

Rivian Announces $700M Investment Round Led By Amazon

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Rivian has announced an equity investment round of $700M led by Amazon. The investment comes on the heels of Rivian's reveal of the all-electric R1T pickup and R1S SUV at the LA Auto Show last November.

Starting with a clean sheet, Rivian has developed its vehicles with adventurers at the core of every design and engineering decision. The company's launch products, the R1T and R1S, deliver up to 400+ miles of range and provide an unmatched combination of performance, off-road capability and utility. These vehicles use the company's flexible skateboard platform and will be produced at Rivian's manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., with customer deliveries expected to start in late 2020.

"This investment is an important milestone for Rivian and the shift to sustainable mobility," said RJ Scaringe, Rivian Founder and CEO. "Beyond simply eliminating compromises that exist around performance, capability and efficiency, we are working to drive innovation across the entire customer experience. Delivering on this vision requires the right partners, and we are excited to have Amazon with us on our journey to create products, technology and experiences that reset expectations of what is possible."

"We're inspired by Rivian's vision for the future of electric transportation," said Jeff Wilke, Amazon CEO Worldwide Consumer. "RJ has built an impressive organization, with a product portfolio and technology to match. We're thrilled to invest in such an innovative company."

Rivian will remain an independent company. Amazon is leading the round, which includes participation from existing shareholders. Additional details about this investment are not being disclosed at this time.

About Rivian

Rivian is developing vehicles, technology and services that inspire people to get out and explore the world. With a team of more than 750 people, Rivian has development centers in Plymouth, Mich.; San Jose, Calif.; Irvine, Calif; and Surrey, England; along with a 2.6-million-square-foot manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. Rivian will launch the R1T and R1S in the US in late 2020, with introduction to other global geographies starting in 2021. Rivian is now accepting preorders on its R1T and R1S. More information is available at www.rivian.com.

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