- Uber and Volkswagen of America team To deploy the Volkswagen identifier. Buzz Microbus as a commercial fleet of Robotaxi, launching in Los Angeles in 2026 with human security operators and transitioning towards complete autonomy in 2027. The partnership is based on Uber’s strategy aimed at integrating the autonomous systems of others in its co-hail network, adding to existing agreements with Waymo, Waymo, Avride and Nvidia.
Uber and Volkswagen from America are joining forces to launch a new commercial Robotaxi network built around Volkswagen’s Electric ID. Microbus buzz.
Companies plan to deploy the fleet in several American cities in the next decade, starting with Los Angeles in 2026.
Before going completely driverless in 2027, each vehicle will carry a human security operator while Volkswagen of America’s Autonomous Arm (VW ADMT) operates through the California regulatory process. The tests in Los Angeles are expected to start later this year, as soon as the initial VW ADMT license arrives.
VW Admt himself made his publicly debut in July 2023 with an ID of 10 van. Buzz fleet in Austin, using Mobileye partner technology.
“Volkswagen is not only a car manufacturer – we feel the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates this vision,” said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomy Mobility in a press release. “What really distinguishes us is our ability to combine the best of both worlds – a high -volume manufacturing expertise with advanced technology and an in -depth understanding of urban mobility needs.”
Moia, a Volkswagen AG brand, will provide the hardware and complete software package, including the electric ID. Ad Buzz vehicles and the Back-End fleet management system which feeds the service on the Uber platform.
“This collaboration marks an important step in the progress of autonomous mobility, and highlights the common dedication of Volkswagen and Uber to the construction of the future of transport,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. “We are looking forward to launching in Los Angeles at the end of next year.”
Uber autonomous fleet
Uber continued a partnership strategy first with regard to autonomous driving, choosing to integrate the autonomous systems of others into its co-hail network rather than overcoming its own Robotaxi fleet.
The outfit drawing company already sends Jaguar I -Pace vehicles entirely without driver from Waymo to Austin – and will add Atlanta later this year – under an agreement in which Uber manages the load, cleaning and customer access, while Waymo remains responsible for “Waymo Driver” technology and aid on the roadside.
Beyond Waymo and VW, Uber has also signed agreements with Avride, China’s Weride and the NVIDIA technology supplier.
By joining forces rather than competition directly, Uber uses its platform to give its BC partners instant access to cyclists, while avoiding the regulatory complexity of the development of internal autonomous systems.
The company has resumed efforts to develop its own autonomous driving technology, including its advanced technology group in Aurora in 2020.
The carpooling giant expects a Tesla competition, which recently announced its intention to deploy its Robotaxi or “Cybercab”. Tesla plans to start testing cybercab in Austin in June this year.
The fleets of autonomous vehicles have the potential to considerably reduce costs for carpooling companies like Uber and their customers, but these potential savings are still far away.
This story was initially presented on Fortune.com
