WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: Rivian Lays Off Workers Ahead of Cheaper SUV Launch

Date: September 4, 2025
Host: Julie Chang, Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This Tech Minute episode gives a rapid update on three significant developments: job cuts at Rivian as it gears up for a more affordable SUV launch, rising adoption of AI in New York-area businesses, and the effectiveness of corporate cybersecurity training. Each news item is presented with data and quotes from industry sources, providing a concise but insightful snapshot of current trends in tech, business, and workforce dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rivian Lays Off Workers Ahead of New SUV Launch

[00:32]

• Exclusive WSJ report: Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is reducing its workforce.
  • Quote: “A spokesperson said the cuts represent less than 1 1/2% of the company's workforce. It had about 15,000 employees at the end of last year.” – Julie Chang [00:37]
• The layoffs are part of Rivian’s strategy to control costs as it prepares for the release of the R2 SUV.
• The upcoming R2 is expected to start at approximately $45,000 and is anticipated to be a more affordable entry in the EV market, poised to attract broader consumer interest.
• Insight: The move highlights the financial tension faced by EV startups balancing innovation, affordability, and operational efficiency.

2. Surging AI Adoption Among New York Businesses

[00:54]

• Reporting findings from the New York Federal Reserve:
  • A significant jump in AI usage is noted among NYC-area businesses over the past year.
  • Quote: “40% of services firms say they're using AI on the job, compared with 25% a year ago, and 44% say they plan to use it over the six months.” – Julie Chang [01:02]
• The impact of AI adoption is already being seen in hiring practices.
  • Quote: “12% of services firms using AI say they've hired fewer workers in the past six months due to its use.” – Julie Chang [01:15]
• Insight: AI isn’t just transforming workflows; it’s reshaping demand for talent.

3. Corporate Cybersecurity Training Under Scrutiny

[01:23]

• Coverage of a new study: Researchers simulated phishing attacks against nearly 20,000 employees at UC San Diego Health across 2023.
  • The study evaluated if time since last cybersecurity training affected employee susceptibility to phishing.
• Findings: No significant improvement in performance tied to recent training.
  • Quote: “The result? Workers failure rate stayed pretty much the same no matter how long ago they had the training.” – Julie Chang [01:42]
• Insight: This questions the effectiveness of periodic cybersecurity trainings and points to a need for better education and more adaptive methods.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A spokesperson said the cuts represent less than 1 1/2% of the company's workforce.” — Julie Chang [00:37]
• “40% of services firms say they're using AI on the job, compared with 25% a year ago, and 44% say they plan to use it over the six months.” — Julie Chang [01:02]
• “12% of services firms using AI say they've hired fewer workers in the past six months due to its use.” — Julie Chang [01:15]
• “The result? Workers failure rate stayed pretty much the same no matter how long ago they had the training.” — Julie Chang [01:42]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Rivian layoffs and R2 SUV context: [00:32] – [00:54]
• AI adoption rates and workforce effects: [00:54] – [01:23]
• Cybersecurity training effectiveness: [01:23] – [01:55]

Tone & Style

Julie Chang maintains a direct and informative tone, delivering headline news with clarity and precise detail. The reporting is succinct but data-rich, exactly as listeners expect from the WSJ Tech Minute.

Summary

For those who missed the episode, this Tech Minute offers key snapshots of the biggest current tech stories: workforce cuts amidst innovation in the EV sector, a dramatic uptake in AI usage (with real hiring consequences), and fresh skepticism about the standard approach to cybersecurity education in large organizations. The segment offers actionable insight for tech professionals, business leaders, and the curious public alike.