Volkswagen joins forces with Uber to launch robotaxi service in the United States using electric ID. BUZZ vehicles.
The partnership between Volkswagen of America and Uber revealed plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service throughout various U.S. cities through the use of autonomous electric VW ID. BUZZ microbuses during the next ten years. The service plans to launch its operations in Los Angeles during late 2026 before expanding to other unspecified cities.
The initial deployment will begin with human safety operators who will shift to driverless operation by 2027 according to Volkswagen spokesperson information. Volkswagen ADMT will obtain required permits from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles and California Public Utilities Commission during this time frame to enable autonomous vehicle testing and commercial ride-hailing operations.
Volkswagen ADMT will begin Los Angeles testing of its autonomous ID. BUZZ vehicles after obtaining its first testing authorization this year. The subsidiary which started operations in July 2023 has been conducting tests with 10 electric ID. BUZZ vehicles running Mobileye’s autonomous technology in Austin. Volkswagen ended its support for startup Argo after Ford withdrew their backing so the company shifted its partnership to Mobileye. The new autonomous vehicle subsidiary ADMT began operations nine months following the shutdown of Argo and dedicated its operations to U.S.-based autonomous development.
The company plans to provide self-driving ID. BUZZ vans and fleet management software to ride-hailing partners instead of operating its own ride-hailing service. Christian Senger who leads Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility declared that the company is building a future of mobility transformation beyond traditional car manufacturing. Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility joins forces with Uber to unite their manufacturing capabilities with advanced technology and urban mobility expertise.
The partnership represents Uber’s ongoing development of autonomous vehicles through its current 14 partnerships which include ride-hailing and delivery and trucking operations. Uber introduced its Waymo robotaxi service in Austin while announcing plans to launch a similar service in Atlanta as part of its expansion of autonomous mobility solutions.
