Former Porsche U.S. top executive said to be jumping to Rivian

Whatever role the sneaker-wearing Gruner fills at Rivian, he should expect a challenge.

Like other auto startups, Rivian is burning billions of dollars as it launches new models and invests in production and distribution capacity.

Rivian posted a $1.35 billion first-quarter net loss on revenue of $661 million. Its stock had shed 93 percent of its value this spring before recovering on strong factory output numbers this month.

The Amazon-backed automaker builds three vehicles in Normal, Ill., — an electric delivery van, a pickup and a crossover — and it is working on its next vehicle platform, R2, designed for less expensive models.

Meanwhile, Rivian is building a sprawling $5 billion assembly plant near Atlanta while ironing out manufacturing issues at its Illinois factory.

Gruner’s hiring could signal that Rivian is preparing to move beyond startup mode, said Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ insights director.

“Having a seasoned automotive veteran with intimate knowledge of selling high-end products will do wonders for the brand,” Drury said.

But Gruner is going into his new gig with eyes wide open.

In a LinkedIn post announcing his exit from Porsche, the executive wrote: “How can you leave Porsche??? A great team, a great brand, great products! But sometimes there is the next mountain to climb.”