VW's capital to Rivian isn't guaranteed, and neither is the success of the joint venture. Major automotive tie-ups don't always result in long-term successes.

Volkswagen raised its planned investment in Rivian to $5.8 billion. But Trump administration is unlikely to bode well for EV manufacturers.

The investment boost comes at a crucial time for Rivian, which aims to cut costs, achieve profitability, and launch its smaller, more affordable R2 SUV to attract budget-conscious consumers. The joint venture,