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Celebrating Direct Sales Perseverance in Washington

Rivian team gathers in Seattle for licensing milestone

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Celebrating Direct Sales Perseverance in Washington

Years of dedicated policy and cross-functional work culminate in official motor vehicle dealer license

Years of determination, collaboration, and advocacy came together on Tuesday, September 15, as Rivian employees, partners, and supporters gathered at Block 41 in Seattle to celebrate a major milestone: officially securing our motor vehicle dealer license in Washington state.

The evening was dedicated to honoring the multi-year effort led by Rivian team members across policy, legal, communications, and field operations who navigated complex regulatory landscapes to help unlock expanded direct-to-consumer operations across the Pacific Northwest.

“This victory reflects what’s possible when community advocacy and internal perseverance align. Beyond the legislative work, this milestone allows us to build stronger, direct relationships with our Washington owners and accelerate clean transportation adoption across the region.”
— Abigail Ramsden, Rivian State Policy Team

Guests gathered in Belltown to celebrate in classic Seattle style, enjoying locally brewed drinks, Pacific Northwest artisan desserts, and live music throughout the evening. Featuring standout sets from local favorites Billy Pogany (of Billy and the Dreamboats), Dr. Rocket, and Matt Alfano, the event highlighted the vibrant creative energy of the city. The celebration served as a toast to the internal teams and regional Washington partners who have championed this policy effort alongside Rivian right here in our own backyard.

Matt Alfano (right) and band making use of the R1T bed.

“Securing this license is a testament to the grit and relentless commitment of our team. Across every department, people poured years of energy into advocating for our direct-to-consumer model in Washington and seeing that effort cross the finish line is a massive moment for all of us.”
— Gary Gaines, VP, Sales

With the license officially secured, Rivian is set to expand its local footprint, streamline the purchasing experience for Pacific Northwest residents, and continue building deep roots throughout Washington.

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