The modern incarnation of the cult VW Kombi van, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, will finally hit the road from next month before eventually going into service as a self-driving ride-share and delivery service vehicle.
The first prototypes of the electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which first debuted in concept form in 2017, will begin testing in Munich in the coming weeks, Volkswagen confirmed overnight.
Each will begin debuting Level 4-capable autonomous driving technology – that is, cars that can operate on their own in set conditions, and typically within a geofenced area.
Volkswagen has teamed with technology company Argo AI to develop its autonomous technology using lidar and radar sensors as well as cameras. Ford is also a partner in the same AI development program.
In 2025, the German car-maker hopes the successful testing will lead to its Moia ride-sharing business dispatching the Volkswagen ID. Buzz for ride-sharing and delivery service vehicles featuring Level 4 autonomy.
The self-driving fleet is expected to debut in Hamburg, Germany, before expanding to other cities.
Volkswagen says the light commercial vehicle segment is the most logical starting point for the deployment of autonomous transportation of goods and people.
“In select cities, customers will be able to have a self-driving vehicle take them to their destination,” said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles divisional director Christian Senger.
“The delivery of goods and packages will also be made much easier through our autonomous driving service.”
Volkswagen is expected to eventually offer the regular ID. Buzz in Australia, but is likely to commence its EV rollout with the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV that could be here as early as 2022.