Rivian Prices Shares at $78 in Highly Anticipated IPO

This report from the WSJ states that Rivian is "backed by Amazon.com Inc." and that "Rivian has said it will launch three models by the end of the year. Among those is an electric delivery truck designed and built for Amazon. The e-retailer has an order for 100,000 of the trucks". 

The article raises several questions.

1. Is Amazon integrating backwards? 
2. If so, does the move make sense? 
1. Do transactions between EV truck manufacturers and Amazon require specialized investments? 
2. Are contracting costs high? 
3. If not, what other cost efficiencies might accrue? 

Another report. "The upstart auto manufacturer is backed by some big names, including Amazon.com Inc. and Ford Motor Co."

Update: "Ford Motor Co. F -0.87% and Rivian Automotive Inc. RIVN 4.23% have decided to go their separate ways rather than collaborate on future electric vehicles, backing away from an earlier strategic pact that led to a multibillion-dollar windfall for Ford."

Ford remains an investor. Its $500KK investment + "subsequent infusions" is now valued at $12.8KKK.

Rivian's market value > Ford's. Rivian delivered 42 cars in the last 5 weeks or so and its revenue = $0 in the third quarter of this year.