Rivian Taps Tesla Cybercab Veteran to Lead R2 Assembly

Rivian has hired one of the people behind Tesla’s Cybercab production line to lead assembly of its new R2 platform. Jody Kerns, who served as Senior Manager of Cybercab General Assembly at Giga Texas, announced on LinkedIn that they’re joining Rivian as Director of General Assembly for the R2 program in Normal, Illinois.

“Our goal is ambitious: to help make the Rivian R2 the best electric SUV in the market,” Kerns wrote.

From Cybercab to R2

Kerns joined Tesla in January 2024 as an End of Line manager before taking over Cybercab general assembly earlier this year. In the farewell post, Kerns pointed to team achievements “from the WEOL project to the launch of the Cybercab.”

Not a Tesla App

Before Tesla, Kerns spent more than 14 years at Volkswagen of America, eventually becoming Director of Assembly. Volkswagen has also invested more than $5 billion in Rivian, and the two have a software joint venture.

At Rivian, Kerns replaces Alborz Monzavi, who held the R2 general assembly role until September and has since joined a footwear company. Rivian hasn’t publicly announced the hire.

Rivian Is Ramping Up R2 Production

The timing makes sense. Rivian has seen healthy R2 demand since deliveries began in early June, to the point that it added a second R2 production shift at its Normal, Illinois, factory. A third shift is planned for 2027.

Output should only climb from here. Rivian plans to launch the R2 Premium in late 2026, followed by two Standard variants next year, including a $45,000 model. The R2 is built in a 1.1 million-square-foot expansion at the Normal factory, which Rivian says can support up to 155,000 R2s per year.

Tesla’s Cybercab Keeps Scaling

Kerns leaves Tesla as Cybercab production picks up. Tesla now has more than 300 active Cybercabs in Austin, with Dallas next in line for rides, and it recently built its first Cybercab with in-house battery materials.

Tesla hasn’t commented on Kerns’ departure. With R2 volume set to grow and new trims on the way, Kerns’ experience launching a new vehicle line at Giga Texas could help Rivian keep its ramp on track.