Volkswagen Group of America is ready to break new ground with its first autonomous vehicle testing initiative in Austin, Texas, starting in July 2023. Marking the debut of this venture, VWGoA will deploy 10 ID. Buzz electric vehicles, fortified with an autonomous driving (AD) platform co-developed by the international Volkswagen Group and tech powerhouse Mobileye. With an ambitious vision to widen the testing program across at least four other U.S. cities within the next three years, VWGoA is gearing up to roll out a commercial fleet of autonomous vehicles in Austin by 2026.
"We're energized to get our ID. Buzz vehicles out on American streets," said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "The expansion of Volkswagen Group's global autonomous vehicle initiative to U.S. soil is a pivotal step forward. Our objective is to meet the growing demand for innovative mobility services, and we believe our eye-catching ID. Buzz is perfectly suited to deliver reliable and trusted transportation solutions to U.S. consumers."
The kick-off of VWGoA’s autonomous testing program in the U.S. underlines Volkswagen's global commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle research and development. To facilitate the rollout of its autonomous driving program, VWGoA has established Volkswagen ADMT, LLC1, a subsidiary with teams located in Belmont, California, and Austin, Texas. Personnel from Argo AI will also be incorporated into the initiative.
VWGoA plans to utilize its test fleet of ID. Buzz vehicles, equipped with AD technology and supplied by the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand in Germany, to pave the way for the future of mobility. The long-term goal is to provide fleets of purpose-built ID. Buzz AD vehicles as comprehensive service offerings, complete with fleet management and remote guidance solutions. These services will target leading players in the mobility and transportation sector as VWGoA seeks to establish enduring partnerships. Currently, however, there are no plans for VWGoA to develop its own dedicated ride-hailing or ride-sharing service.
"Implementing our autonomous vehicle program in North America is a critical part of our worldwide strategic roadmap, built on the foundation of sustained cooperative investment," stated Christian Senger, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, responsible for the development of autonomous driving. "This transition to the next phase will allow us to fine-tune our technology, edge closer to launching commercially viable transport options, and eventually expand Volkswagen Group's multifaceted mobility portfolio."
In Austin, VWGoA will harness its growing fleet of ID. Buzz AD vehicles accumulate extensive data through miles driven across various driving situations. Every vehicle in the initial SAE L4 ID. Buzz test fleet will be equipped with an autonomous driving platform, a partnership between the Volkswagen Group and Mobileye, featuring advanced cameras, radar, and lidar technology. During this inaugural testing phase, each vehicle will be supervised by human drivers at all times.
"We're eager to get our autonomous pilot and test fleet in action in Austin," expressed Katrin Lohmann, President of Volkswagen ADMT, LLC. "Austin was chosen as the first U.S. hub due to its history of welcoming innovation and its favorable environment for testing autonomous vehicles. We're committed to maintaining a productive, collaborative relationship with the city and its diverse stakeholders."
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