The so-called autonomous mobility subsidiary of Volkswagen America has announced a new partnership with Uber. Slated to roll out across the country over the next decade, this plan calls for the deployment of all-electric, fully autonomous vans from the ID. Buzz – aptly set to be called the ID. Buzz AD.
Testing is supposed to begin later this year, likely kicking off in the Los Angeles area where the brand hopes to initially launch the service in 2026. During the early days, VW says the vans will have human operators onboard to ‘help refine the technology and ensure safety’ while presumably making small talk with riders.
“Our partnership with Uber is the next step for us to realize this vision and unleash the potential of autonomous mobility,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. Beyond all that marketing word salad, Gruner does make the point that this tag team effort will introduce the funky ID. Buzz to a larger audience who may have not previously had cause to set foot onboard. “We can’t wait to launch in Los Angeles late next year,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.
Certainly, the ID. Buzz is well suited for cab duty, providing acres of interior space for both humans and life’s assorted detritus. Even the third row, a spot typically reserved for riders of a shorter stature, has plenty of legroom even for this NBA-sized author. Then there’s the intrigue factor that an ID. Buzz still brings to the party – and likely will for the next few years. It is impossible to see one of these things in person without grinning.
Retail deliveries of the ID. Buzz are ramping up, with 1,901 vans finding new homes through to the end of this year’s first quarter. That’s more than the GTI managed through the same time frame, it needs to be said. Overall, Volkswagen sales are up about seven percent year to date, totaling 87,915 units, with strongest numbers distributed all but evenly across the Taos, Tiguan, Atlas, and Jetta at approximately 16,000 units each.
[Images: Volkswagen]
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