German legacy automaker Volkswagen, through its local arm, officially launched its first-ever autonomous vehicle pilot program yesterday in Austin, US.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) disclosed that the program would initially include a batch of 10 ID Buzz electric vehicles.
“We are thrilled to bring our exciting ID. Buzz vehicles to American roads.”
Pablo Di Si, Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO
About the pilot program
As mentioned, the company will first test 10 ID Buzz models that boast an innovative autonomous driving (AD) technology platform co-developed by VW Group and tech giant Mobilete in 2016.
The VW Group-Mobilete partnership also focuses on developing a camera-based real-time image processing, improving the autonomous driving capabilities of the platform.
The ID Buzz fleet will gather data throughout various driving scenarios on the roads of Austin.
VWGoA aims to gradually increase the number of models involved in the pilot program and reach at least four additional US cities.
Excitingly, the company aims to commercially launch its first autonomous driving vehicles in Austin as early as 2026.
“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.”
Pablo Di Si, Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO
Notably, VWGoA founded a new business unit dedicated to the pilot program. Volkswagen ADMT, LLC will supervise the autonomous driving vehicle program, leveraging its Belmont, California, and Austin, Texas teams. The press release also mentioned plans to hire former Argo AI team members, an unsuccessful joint venture between VW and Ford.
“We are excited and ready to roll out our autonomous pilot and test fleet in Austin. We selected Austin as the first US hub, as the city has a track record for embracing innovation and offers a conducive climate for the testing of autonomous vehicles. We are committed to continuing an open and collaborative dialogue with the city and its diverse stakeholders.”
Katrin Lohmann, Volkswagen ADMT, LLC President
See Also:
- BYD: Fully autonomous driving is “basically impossible”
- WeRide to begin testing its autonomous vehicle tech in Singapore this year
- Geely Automobile unleashes 72 satellites in three years for fully autonomous driving
- Mercedes-Benz to offer SAE Level 3 system, conditional autonomous driving in the US
- Uber Freight and Aurora Innovation expand autonomous delivery service in Texas
Volkswagen’s growing interest in joining the race to autonomous vehicle development is unsurprising, given that its co-German brand has previously been leading in the field.
Mercedes-Benz has recently secured the official certificate of compliance on the Nevada Chapter 482A for Autonomous Vehicles, enabling the automaker to utilize SAE Level 3 system for its electric vehicles in the state.
Tesla has also announced a new timeline for achieving “full autonomy” by the end of this year.
