Summary4 min read

WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Rivian’s Production And Delivery Numbers Decline
Date: January 2, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This quick episode of the TNB Tech Minute delivers the latest key updates at the intersection of technology and business, with particular focus on EV manufacturer Rivian's recent production and delivery numbers, market performance of technology shares at the start of 2026, and notable shifts in the cryptocurrency sector.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Rivian's Production and Delivery Numbers Decline

Federal Tax Credit Impact:
Rivian experienced a decline in production and delivery numbers in the first quarter after a significant federal tax credit for EVs expired.
- Quote:
  
  "Rivian's production and delivery totals declined in its first quarter following the expiration of a key federal tax credit for electric vehicles."
  — (Julie Chang, 00:27)
Production Figures:
- Produced just under 11,000 vehicles at its Normal, Illinois factory in the latest quarter.
- Represents a drop from over 12,000 vehicles produced in Q4 of 2024.
- Delivered over 4,000 fewer vehicles quarter-over-quarter.
- Quote:
  
  "The EV maker said it produced just under 11,000 vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. That's down from over 12,000 produced in the fourth quarter of 2024. It also delivered over 4,000 fewer vehicles."
  — (Julie Chang, 00:38)
Company Outlook:
Despite these declines, Rivian stated that the results were "in line with its expectations."
- Quote:
  
  "Despite the declines, the company said the totals were in line with its expectations."
  — (Julie Chang, 00:52)

Broader Tech & Market Highlights

Tech Market Activity:
The episode provides a quick market snapshot at the start of 2026:
- Semiconductor stocks — particularly Nvidia, Intel, and Micron — and other AI companies rallied.
- Tesla shares declined after another annual drop in deliveries.
- Quote:
  
  "Semiconductor stocks including Nvidia, Intel and Micron rallied, as did some other AI companies. Shares in Tesla fell, however, after the EV maker posted another annual drop in deliveries."
  — (Julie Chang, 00:59)
Cryptocurrency Update:
- Bitcoin currently trading around $90,000, rebounding from year-end 2025 levels.
- Despite this, 2025 marked Bitcoin's first annual fall since 2022, losing more than 30% from its October peak of above $126,000.
- Overall, digital assets shed over $1 trillion in market value in the recent quarter.
- Quote:
  
  "Bitcoin is currently trading at about $90,000, an improvement from where it ended in 2025. The largest cryptocurrency fell last year on an annual basis for the first time since 2022. It retreated more than 30% from early October, when it peaked at above $126,000."
  — (Julie Chang, 01:10–01:22)
- Quote:
  
  "Since then, digital assets have lost more than $1 trillion in market value. Crypto's fourth quarter slump stands in contrast to Wall Street, where all three major indexes posted double digit annual returns."
  — (Julie Chang, 01:32–01:44)
Stock Markets:
- Wall Street indexes posted double-digit annual gains at year-end 2025, in contrast to the losses seen in digital assets.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Rivian’s production and delivery totals declined in its first quarter following the expiration of a key federal tax credit for electric vehicles.” — Julie Chang, 00:27
“The EV maker said it produced just under 11,000 vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois.” — Julie Chang, 00:38
“Despite the declines, the company said the totals were in line with its expectations.” — Julie Chang, 00:52
“Semiconductor stocks including Nvidia, Intel and Micron rallied, as did some other AI companies. Shares in Tesla fell, however, after the EV maker posted another annual drop in deliveries.” — Julie Chang, 00:59
“Bitcoin is currently trading at about $90,000, an improvement from where it ended in 2025. The largest cryptocurrency fell last year on an annual basis for the first time since 2022. It retreated more than 30% from early October, when it peaked at above $126,000.” — Julie Chang, 01:10–01:22
“Since then, digital assets have lost more than $1 trillion in market value. Crypto’s fourth quarter slump stands in contrast to Wall Street, where all three major indexes posted double digit annual returns.” — Julie Chang, 01:32–01:44

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:27] Rivian’s production/delivery decline tied to tax credit expiration
[00:38] Detailed production and delivery numbers
[00:52] Rivian’s outlook on the numbers
[00:59] Market overview: semiconductors, AI, and Tesla
[01:10–01:22] Bitcoin’s performance and recent history
[01:32–01:44] Digital assets value drop vs. Wall Street performance

Conclusion

This episode efficiently covers the most pressing shifts in the EV world—especially for Rivian—as well as notable movements in tech shares and crypto. Despite challenges for electric vehicle manufacturers and digital assets, traditional tech stocks are demonstrating resilience as 2026 begins.

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Transcript16 lines

[00:01]
A
Hey, this is Jessica Mendoza, host of the Journal Podcast, our show about money, business and power. If you're looking for more deeply reported stories like we share every day, consider becoming a subscriber to the Wall Street Journal. Visit subscribe.WSJ.com TheJournal all lowercase to subscribe now.
[00:21]
B
Here'S your afternoon TNB Tech minute for Friday, January 2nd. I'm Julie Chang for the Wall Street Journal.
[00:28]
C
Rivian's production and delivery totals declined in.
[00:30]
B
Its first quarter following the expiration of a key federal tax credit for electric vehicles.
[00:36]
C
The EV maker said it produced just.
[00:38]
B
Under 11,000 vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. That's down from over 12,000 produced in the fourth quarter of 2024. It also delivered over 4,000 fewer vehicles.
[00:50]
C
Despite the declines, the company said the.
[00:52]
B
Totals were in line with its expectations.
[00:56]
C
In markets, stocks are kicking off the year on an uncertain note.
[00:59]
B
Semiconductor stocks including Nvidia, intel and Micron rallied, as did some other AI companies. Shares in Tesla fell, however, after the EV maker posted another annual drop in deliveries. Plus, crypto isn't doing so hot. Bitcoin is currently trading at about $90,000, an improvement from where it ended in 2025.
[01:20]
C
The largest cryptocurrency fell last year on.
[01:23]
B
An annual basis for the first time since 2022. It retreated more than 30% from early October, when it peaked at above $126,000.
[01:32]
C
Since then, digital assets have lost more.
[01:35]
B
Than $1 trillion in market value. Crypto's fourth quarter slump stands in contrast to Wall street, where all three major indexes posted double digit annual returns.
[01:44]
C
And that's it for your TMB Tech minutes.
[01:46]
B
Tune back in Monday morning for another quick tech update.