Rivian and Lucid Gain Momentum Amid UAW Strike, While Traditional Car Giants Face Potential Setbacks

President Biden backs UAW strike, casting doubts on the future of the big three automakers and giving a boost to EV newcomers.

Introduction: The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, now with the backing of President Biden, is shaking up the automotive industry. As traditional car giants face potential roadblocks, EV specialists like Rivian and Lucid are seizing the moment, as reflected in their recent stock performance.

The Big Three vs. Union Demands: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis are at a crossroads. The UAW’s bold demands, including a whopping 40% wage increase, could mean higher EV prices for consumers. Analysts from Wedbush suggest that if these demands are met, we could see a price hike of between $3,000 and $5,000 per EV. This could spell trouble for the future of car manufacturing in Detroit’s iconic 313 area.

Challenges and Opportunities in the EV Shift: The current UAW proposal might make the transition to electric vehicles tougher than ever. However, this could be a golden opportunity for companies like Tesla, Rivian, and even automakers from Europe and Japan to swoop in and challenge the dominance of industry giants like GM and Ford.

What a Prolonged Strike Means for Production: If the UAW strike drags on for more than four weeks, we could be looking at significant production delays. This might push the EV plans of major players like GM, Ford, and Stellantis to 2024 or later.

How the Stock Market Reacted: Amidst the drama, Rivian’s stock went up by 0.7%, and Lucid’s shares rose by 0.9%. On the other hand, Tesla saw a 3.2% drop, perhaps influenced by Elon Musk’s clear stance against the autoworkers’ strike.

Wrap-Up: The UAW strike is more than just a labor dispute; it’s reshaping the automotive landscape. As the industry’s old guard grapples with challenges, newcomers like Rivian and Lucid are poised to make their mark.