Volkswagen ADMT, the US self-driving arm of VW, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Uber to introduce thousands of autonomous ID. Buzz vans on the streets of the US over the next ten years. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the way we think about transportation and mobility.
The initiative will kick off in Los Angeles, with testing scheduled to begin later this year and commercial rides expected to be available by 2026. The ID. Buzz autonomous driving (AD) vans will initially have human operators onboard during the testing and launch phases to ensure safety and fine-tune the technology. Each stage of the process will only proceed once regulatory authorities give their approval.
MOIA, Volkswagen’s mobility brand, will supply the vehicles and the AD software that will power them on Uber’s platform. This comprehensive approach to integrating self-driving electric vehicles into ride-hailing services is a clear indication that the race for autonomous taxis is heating up.
Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer – we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision.”
In March 2024, Volkswagen made history by becoming the first vehicle manufacturer to develop a Level 4 AD service vehicle for large-scale production. Level 4 AD technology enables the vehicle to operate independently in most driving situations within a defined area, such as a city, even without passengers onboard.
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In conclusion, the partnership between Volkswagen and Uber marks a significant milestone in the development of autonomous transportation. With the introduction of ID. Buzz vans on Uber’s platform, the future of mobility is set to undergo a transformative shift towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation system.
