XPEL Provides Rivian Customers New Program to Customize and Directly Order Suite of Protective Films and Coatings

Rhea-AI Summary

XPEL and Rivian have expanded their collaboration to offer U.S. and Canadian Rivian R1T and R1S owners a direct ordering program for vehicle protection products. The program features set pricing and easy installation coordination for XPEL's ULTIMATE PLUS paint protection film (PPF), STEALTH PPF, PRIME Window Films, and FUSION PLUS Ceramic Coating.

Customers can purchase these customizable protection options through the Rivian Gear Shop, with installation handled by XPEL's network of Certified Rivian Network Partners. Additionally, the companies continue to offer a pre-installed STEALTH Pack on select R1 models with El Cap Granite and Midnight exteriors featuring Rivian's Darkout trim package.

Positive

• Expansion of partnership with major EV manufacturer Rivian
• New direct sales channel through Rivian Gear Shop
• Established network of certified installers
• Fixed pricing model potentially improving margins

Negative

• to specific Rivian models for pre-installed options
• Geographic restriction to US and Canada markets only

Insights

Financial Analyst

XPEL's expanded partnership with Rivian represents a strategic enhancement to their distribution model that could drive meaningful revenue growth in the premium EV segment. By creating a direct ordering system with set pricing through Rivian's Gear Shop, XPEL gains privileged access to Rivian's customer base while simplifying the purchase process – effectively reducing friction in the customer journey.

This partnership expansion has several revenue implications for XPEL:

• It creates a captive audience opportunity at the important new vehicle purchase decision point
• The program's integration into Rivian's ecosystem could drive higher attachment rates than traditional aftermarket channels
• Fixed pricing potentially stabilizes margins while the certified installer network maintains installation quality

The collaboration builds upon XPEL's existing factory-installed STEALTH Pack program, suggesting a successful initial phase that warranted expansion. This dual approach – offering both factory-installed options and customizable post-purchase protection – maximizes XPEL's revenue potential across different customer preferences.

From a strategic perspective, this represents XPEL's continued execution of their OEM partnership strategy, creating specialized distribution channels that competitors may struggle to replicate. The EV market presents particularly attractive economics for protection products due to higher average vehicle prices and customer demographics that index toward premium accessories.

While Rivian's production volumes (approximately 57,000 vehicles in 2023) remain modest compared to larger automakers, the high-value nature of these vehicles makes each installation potentially more profitable than mass-market applications. The partnership also positions XPEL advantageously should Rivian achieve its ambitious growth targets in coming years.

Automotive Industry Expert

This XPEL-Rivian partnership represents a textbook example of the accelerating trend toward integrated aftermarket ecosystems in premium automotive segments. By embedding XPEL's protection products directly into Rivian's digital commerce platform, both companies are executing on the industry's shift toward manufacturer-controlled customer experiences that extend well beyond the initial vehicle purchase.

The strategic significance lies in the direct channel creation that bypasses traditional aftermarket fragmentation. Historically, protection films and coatings have been predominantly sold through independent installers or dealerships, creating inconsistent pricing and quality. This program's fixed pricing and certified installer approach addresses both pain points while potentially increasing attachment rates.

From Rivian's perspective, this partnership adds valuable recurring revenue opportunities without capital investment. Premium EVs like the R1T and R1S (with starting prices around $70,000) attract buyers who typically spend 5-8% on accessories and protection – representing a potential $3,500-$5,600 per vehicle in high-margin add-ons.

For XPEL, securing this position with Rivian provides several competitive advantages:

• Preferred positioning against competitors like 3M, Llumar, and SunTek
• Data capture on premium EV owner preferences
• Brand association benefits with a leading EV innovator

The timing is particularly notable as it comes during Rivian's production scaling phase. By establishing this program now, XPEL positions itself to grow proportionally with Rivian's expanding owner base while simultaneously building brand loyalty that could transfer to other vehicles.

This collaboration also reflects the broader industry trend of digitizing and streamlining the traditionally fragmented vehicle personalization process – a transformation accelerated by direct-to-consumer manufacturers like Rivian who control both the sales channel and digital customer relationship.

Now Rivian customers can customize and directly order XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS or STEALTH PPF, a variety of PRIME window films and FUSION PLUS Ceramic Coating

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today XPEL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XPEL), a global leader in protective films and coatings, and EV truck-maker, Rivian, announced an expansion of their collaboration which will allow Rivian R1T and R1S owners in the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to customize and directly order the XPEL exterior paint protection, window film and ceramic coating of their choice.

XPEL and Rivian announce an expansion of their collaboration, allowing U.S. and Canada R1S and R1T customers to customize and directly order the XPEL exterior paint protection, window film and ceramic coating of their choice. (Photo: Business Wire)

This new program offers set pricing, easy installation coordination and allows new and existing Rivian owners to select between a variety of protection options including partial or full coverage of XPEL’s ULTIMATE PLUS paint protection film (PPF), STEALTH PPF, a range of PRIME Window Films, and XPEL's FUSION PLUS Ceramic Coating.

“We are pleased to extend this unique program and further develop our collaboration with Rivian,” stated Duane Gotro, Vice President of Services at XPEL. “Rivian owners can now customize their vehicle with XPEL protection suited to their lifestyle and then effortlessly schedule the installation with a Certified Rivian Network Partner at a fixed price.”

To ensure a seamless experience, XPEL has established a network of Certified Rivian Network Partners who will coordinate and handle the professional installation of these products, which customers can conveniently purchase through the Rivian Gear Shop.

Separately, Rivian and XPEL continue to offer a pre-installed STEALTH Pack on select R1 models, helping ensure the rugged vehicles not only stand out with a sleek, matte finish but also remain highly protected from scratches, rock chips, and road debris. The STEALTH Pack is currently available on select El Cap Granite and Midnight exteriors featuring Rivian’s Darkout trim and emblem package.

For best results, XPEL recommends Rivian owners have XPEL’s PPF, window film and ceramic coating installed on their vehicles as early as possible. An XPEL Certified Rivian Network Partner can also recommend additional services, not included in this program, for an additional cost when owners schedule their appointment.

For more information or to purchase, visit the Rivian Gear Shop or directly on XPEL.com (U.S. or Canada).

About XPEL, Inc.
XPEL is a leading provider of protective films and coatings, including paint protection film, surface protection film, window films and ceramic coatings in the automotive, architectural and marine industries. With a global footprint, a network of trained installers and proprietary DAP software, XPEL is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by providing high-quality products, leading customer service, expert technical support and world-class training. XPEL, Inc. is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “XPEL”.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250227541686/en/

Steve Janisse

News Makers Media

steve.janisse@newsmakersmedia.com

Allyson Molina

News Makers Media

allyson.molina@newsmakersmedia.com

Source: XPEL, Inc.

FAQ

What protection options are available in the new XPEL-Rivian collaboration program?

The program offers ULTIMATE PLUS PPF, STEALTH PPF, PRIME Window Films, and FUSION PLUS Ceramic Coating, with options for partial or full coverage.

How can Rivian owners purchase XPEL protection products under this program?

Owners can purchase directly through the Rivian Gear Shop or XPEL.com (U.S. or Canada) with fixed pricing and installation by Certified Rivian Network Partners.

Which Rivian models are eligible for the XPEL STEALTH Pack pre-installation?

Select R1 models with El Cap Granite and Midnight exteriors featuring Rivian's Darkout trim package are eligible.

Where is the XPEL protection installation service available for Rivian vehicles?

The installation service is available throughout the United States and Canada through XPEL's network of Certified Rivian Network Partners.