A Big Step Forward: Volkswagen Joins IRMA

Our Promise to Responsible Supply Chain Management and Employee Safety

Whether you drive one yourself or are just an automotive enthusiast, you may be familiar with Volkswagen’s first all-electric vehicle, the VW ID.4 , that was released last year.

Not only is it one of the most thrilling models that Volkswagen has ever produced, but it was also named the winner of the 2021 Car of the Year Award.

Being an electric vehicle manufacturer requires Volkswagen to source materials for undoubtedly one of the most important components of the ID.4 model – the battery. To remain a leader in the EV world, Volkswagen must responsibly source various materials that are included in the battery such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.

You’ll be happy to hear, Volkswagen – and by extension, your Volkswagen dealer – are already on it. Earlier this year, Volkswagen Group joined the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, or IRMA.

So, what does this mean? Follow along to learn more about IRMA, and what you can expect from Volkswagen going forward.

What is IRMA?

IRMA is an organization that ensures mining and sourcing of raw materials is completed in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. It aims to promote business integrity and plan for positive legacies.

IRMA certifies that companies in jewelry, electronics, construction, and auto are purchasing minerals that were mined responsibly.

Aside from this, IRMA’s overall mission is to not only protect individuals within the mining industry, but also reduce the environmental impact of mining.

Its standards encompass protecting human and community rights, health protection of workers and relevant communities, safety within the workplace, exclusion of corruption, and environmental protection.

IRMA is known to be highly credible and comprehensive, as it leads both companies and nonprofit organizations, including Volkswagen.

Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA, greeted Volkswagen by saying, “We welcome the Volkswagen’s Group membership and look forward to working with them as they leverage their significant global reach to advance more responsible mining practices.”

What This Means for Volkswagen

So, what does this mean for VW as a company and your Volkswagen dealer? By joining IRMA, Volkswagen is committing to apply the IRMA standards within its battery supply chains over time.

Murat Aksel, Volkswagen Group’s Board Member for Purchasing, revealed that the auto manufacturer is welcoming transparent rules. He also expressed that IRMA incorporates all the important components of the supply chain: raw material suppliers, raw material buyers, workers’ representatives, civil society forces, investors, and independent experts.

Pledging to IRMA is essential for Volkswagen as it produces several other electric vehicles to join the VW ID.4 in the future. These electric vehicles that are currently in the development stage will follow the trend of offering climate-neutral mobility. It guarantees that they will source these current and upcoming vehicles in a proper and sustainable way.

Since 2020, Volkswagen has offered full exposure of the entire supply chain, including its mining and new contracts for battery raw materials. It also launched a standardized raw material management system that is still in use today.

Volkswagen Group was the first automotive company to publicly disclose a separate report that described the group-wide measures being taken for responsible sourcing of 16 raw materials.

Drive an Electric Car at Your Nearest Volkswagen Dealer

If you want to give energy-efficient driving a go, schedule to test drive an ID.4 at a Volkswagen dealership near you. At VW Cypress, we can help you find the perfect vehicle for you – without breaking your bank.

All you have to do is visit our website to access thousands of vehicles right at your fingertips. We stock an abundance of new and used cars, so you aren’t limited to either option.

Looking for a New Car Dealership Near You? Visit us!

At VW Cypress, shop from new and used cars varying in make and model. We have SUVs with tons of storage, economic and stylish sedans, and slick and speedy coupes. Our Volkswagen dealer in Houston, TX has everything you’re looking for in a vehicle.

Not ready for a new car? VW Cypress also has several luxurious used cars that still provide you with that new car feel. Our used cars have received a 100+ point inspection to verify that they are ready to take on the road.

If you’re already the proud owner of a VW vehicle and are wanting routine maintenance or service, we can help with that, too. Make an appointment with the VW service center to start.

To find the best Volkswagen vehicle for you, visit us at 19550 Northwest Fwy. You can also call us at (281) 532-8824 or send us an email through the contact form on our website.

Important notification to our customers: Volkswagen Cypress SALES operations will move into its new location at 11411 Farm to Market 1960 West in Houston, TX, after the holidays! SERVICE operations will also move to a new location after the holidays. Its new stand-alone building can be found at 10828 Steepletop Drive in Houston, TX, located just one minute away from the SALES.

Posted in Volkswagen News | No Comments »