Volkswagen has wasted no time in expanding its autonomous ID. Buzz testing program just one week after its announcement in Austin, Texas. Now, the fleet of self-driving prototypes is crossing the Atlantic to Munich, Germany.
The eagerly anticipated first test runs on public roads are scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. Government representatives, journalists, public authorities, and business professionals will have the opportunity to experience the autonomous future firsthand from the passenger seats. While the ID. Buzz AD (Autonomous Driving) vehicles will handle the driving, a human driver will remain behind the wheel at all times to ensure smooth operation and adherence to the plan.
The electric vans in Munich sport the same eye-catching black and yellow livery as their counterparts in the United States. Boasting a four-seater cabin, they are equipped with Mobileye’s self-driving system. Additional hardware, such as roof-mounted cameras, radar, and lidar, sets them apart from standard ID.Buzz models. With these advancements, they can achieve Level 4 autonomy, a significant milestone on the path to full autonomy (Level 5).
Volkswagen confirms that once the prototypes are ready for series production, they can be manufactured in large quantities. The growing test fleet in both Europe and North America plays a crucial role in gathering valuable data from diverse driving scenarios within urban environments. The ultimate objective is to expand the fleet for commercial purposes, enabling ridesharing and transport services in numerous cities across Europe and North America.
In Germany, MOIA will be the first company to benefit from the ID. Buzz AD prototypes. MOIA, a subsidiary of the VW Group since 2019, will be at the forefront of utilizing this cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, in North America, autonomous vehicles will be operated by external companies from the mobility and transport sector, highlighting Volkswagen’s commitment to collaborating with partners beyond its own network.
