If you live in Austin, Texas you might see the new VW ID. Buzz electric van driving around the city. VW has announced that it has launched an autonomous vehicle test program this month in Austin.
Ten ID. Buzz prototypes have been outfitted with an autonomous driving technology platform that was developed by Volkswagen Group and Mobileye. The ID. Buzz vehicles feature cameras, radar and lidar technology. VW plans to grow its test fleet in Austin over the next three years and also expand the testing to at least four more cities in the U.S.
“We are thrilled to bring our exciting ID. Buzz vehicles to American roads”, said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “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.”
VW plans a commercial launch of autonomous driving vehicles in Austin by 2026.
“We are excited and ready to roll out our autonomous pilot and test fleet in Austin”, said Katrin Lohmann, President, Volkswagen ADMT, LLC. “We selected Austin as the first U.S. 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.”
