Volkswagen and Uber to deploy “thousands” of autonomous ID. Buzz EVs

Nearly two years after German automotive giant Volkswagen began its first autonomous vehicle test program in the United States with a batch of 10 ID. Buzz electric vans, the company has partnered with Uber to deploy “a fleet of thousands” of fully autonomous ID. Buzz EVs across the country.

Volkswagen and Uber announced that they had signed a long-term strategic partnership with the goal of deploying the ID. Buzz AD (autonomous driving) across multiple US markets, starting in the city of Los Angeles next year after a period of testing later this year.

During the initial testing and launch phases, the ID. Buzz AD vehicles will have human operators onboard to help refine the technology – as well as to ensure safety. Volkswagen and Uber also confirmed that each step will only be taken after all necessary regulatory approvals have been received.

“Volkswagen believes that mobility is transformational,” said Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, in a statement.

“Our partnership with Uber is the next step for us to realize this vision and unleash the potential of autonomous mobility.

“Through our work with Uber, we’ll introduce the ID. Buzz, the reimagined version of the iconic Microbus in all-electric form, to a growing number of riders in the years to come.”

Volkswagen AG’s autonomous mobility brand MOIA will provide its integrated solution for autonomous driving which includes the ID. Buzz AD and software-based system for the deployment on the Uber platform.

MOIA has been testing its software with the VW ID. Buzz AD in cities including Austin in the United States and the European cities of Munich and Hamburg, Germany, and Oslo, Norway.

The announcement follows nearly two years after Volkswagen rolled out its first autonomous vehicle test program in Austin.

Volkswagen Group of America launched the program with a batch of 10 ID. Buzz vehicles, each outfitted with an AD technology platform developed by the global Volkswagen Group in partnership with technology company Mobileye, whose Mobileye Drive now powers the autonomous technology behind Volkswagen and MOIA’s technology.