Volkswagen starts testing autonomous driving in the US with ID. Buzz

Today Volkswagen has announced that it's starting to test autonomous driving in the US, using a fleet of ID. Buzz vehicles fitted with a special technology platform developed in partnership with Mobileye. This includes cameras, radar, and lidar.

The tests will take place in Austin, Texas starting this month. A fleet of 10 all-electric ID. Buzz vans will be used initially, with plans to grow the numbers in Austin while progressively expanding test operations in at least four more American cities over the next three years.

In Austin, the test fleet vehicles will be used to collect data through driven miles across many driving scenarios. All of them will be staffed with supervising human drivers at all times.

At this stage, Volkswagen expects to commercially launch autonomous driving vehicles to the public in Austin "by 2026". In the future, the company wants to offer specially designed ID. Buzz vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities as "a comprehensive service including fleet management and remote guidance solutions to other leading companies in the mobility and transportation space, and establish long-term partnerships", the official press release states.

That said, VW is not building a dedicated ride hailing or ride sharing service on its own "at this time".

Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said:

We are thrilled to bring our exciting ID. Buzz vehicles to American roads. Expanding Volkswagen Group’s global autonomous driving vehicle program to the United States marks an important milestone for us. In the future, we will tap into rising demand for new mobility services, and with our iconic ID. Buzz, we will also offer a truly captivating product to support transportation services American consumers can rely upon and trust.