VW’s ID. Buzz First to be Autonomous BEV

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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1st March 2021

Volkswagen has pledge that it’s ID. Buzz light commercial vehicle BEV will be the automaker’s first fully autonomous vehicle.

To be produced by it commercial wing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV), the vehicle has only been seen in concept prototype form so far. Now the automaker is targeting 2025 as the start of commercial autonomous systems for real-world traffic use.

Christian Senger, the company’s head of autonomous driving, said: “This year, for the first time, we are conducting field trials in Germany, in which the self- driving system by Argo AI will be used in a version of the future ID. Buzz by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The aim is to develop a ride-hailing and pooling concept similar to what MOIA offers today. In the middle of this decade, our customers will then have the opportunity to be taken to their destination in selected cities with autonomous vehicles.”

As part of their cooperation, Ford and VWCV have invested equally in autonomous software company Argo AI with the goal of consistent and fast development and use of autonomous systems. In addition to the initial investment of $1Bn, Volkswagen also brought its subsidiary AID (Autonomous Intelligent Driving) into Argo AI. VWCV will now develop and build special purpose vehicles, such as robo-taxis and vans. The automaker promised its all-electric ID.Buzz will have its world premiere next year and developments are already running at full speed.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_