VW and Mercedes do dealsVolkswagen started producing an electric S.U.V. at an existing plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., in July. The company is also trying to stake out supplies of raw materials. This week, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz announced agreements with the Canadian government to get access to lithium, nickel and other crucial metals and minerals used in batteries. Canada has abundant reserves of these materials, though most mines are still in the development stage.