VW joined a group that sets environmental and social standards in raw material mining. Raw material acquisition, such as Cobalt mining, can negatively affect the environment and populations involved. By joining Ford and GM, Volkswagen will seek to ensure ethically and sustainably sourced materials as EV production ramps up.
Long term? Part of the initiative is to develop domestic sources of supply for critical minerals. The group has targeted sourcing rare earth magnets and developing wind turbine infrastructure as its top priority.
Telling it like it is - OEMs are learning it's easier to push back when you band-together... Sound familiar?