Rivian - VDL Nedcar & Environmental Activists

[IlliniRivian]

I just came across an interesting issue in the Netherlands where a group of environmental activists is calling out Rivian for potentially partnering with a company called VDL Nedcar (http://techzle.com/vdl-nedcar-in-conversation-with-rivian-about-production). I missed this story about Rivian potentially being in discussions with VDL Nedcar.

Apparently, VDL Nedcar wants to clear an old forest in the Netherlands to build a new plant. Several activists are camping in the trees and there were recent arrests - https://pledgetimes.com/group-of-tree-sitters-in-sterrebos-grows-fifteen-arrested/

Now, the protesters are putting pressure on Rivian to refuse to work with VDL Nedcar. I first saw this based on a comment to today's Instagram post but Twitter has some more.




Of course, VDL Nedcar is a different company - and reports suggest it plans to replant trees it cuts down but the activists do not want those trees cut down - and Rivian does not control what it does but it'll be interesting to see if they respond to this ever or if it impacts how Rivian considers any future business with VDL Nedcar.

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[Forager]

Wonder if Rivian had something to do with the VDL - Canoo deal dying.

 

[opnwide]

 

[bd5400]

Rivian likely has nothing to do with this. VDL's deal with Canoo fell through and VDL is trying to make themselves attractive to Rivian. The protesters are simply trying to stir up enough press so that VDL no longer looks like a potential option for Rivian.

Also, based on the satellite image posted on Reddit, this is less of a "forest" and more of a patch of trees next to the existing facility. The trees occupy an area smaller than the parking lot for the facility and are otherwise surrounded by tree-less agricultural land.

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