Volkswagen has announced a collaboration with taxi and ride-sharing service Uber to deploy a fleet of robotic ID. Buzz electric MPVs on the streets of Los Angeles.
Didn't VW already have a robot Buzz?
You're not wrong. Volkswagen had already developed a prototype autonomous Buzz for its 'Moia' autonomous ride service, which has been running experiments in Hamburg. The announcement of the tie-up with Uber gives both companies more cars running on the road, gathering data, and ironing out the kinks in any potential service.
How many cars are we talking about?
Eventually, VW has said that it expects to deploy 'a fleet of thousands' of self-driving ID. Buzz vehicles, in cities all across the US. For now, it's a much smaller experimental fleet, all of which will have a human driver on board at first, so as to monitor the car's responses to situations and to snatch back control if needed.
Both companies have said that the service will inch towards fully-autonomous driving carefully, and that: “Each step will proceed only after any necessary regulatory approvals have been received.”
Who's doing what in this partnership?
Volkswagen, through Moia, will provider Uber with the vehicles and the software needed to drive them around, while Uber will integrate the Buzz fleet into its ride-sharing and hailing services.
“Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer - we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,” said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility. “What really sets us apart is our ability to combine the best of both worlds - high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.”
“Volkswagen believes that mobility is transformational. Our partnership with Uber is the next step for us to realise this vision and unleash the potential of autonomous mobility,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “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.”
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous mobility, and highlights both Volkswagen's and Uber's shared dedication to building the future of transportation,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. “We can't wait to launch in Los Angeles late next year."