Volkswagen Expands Testing of Autonomous ID. Buzz Prototypes to Munich, Germany
Just one week after announcing the testing program of autonomous ID. Buzz prototypes in Austin, Texas, Volkswagen is expanding its fleet to Munich, Germany. The first test runs on public roads will begin in the next few weeks, allowing government representatives, journalists, public authorities, and business people to experience the autonomous future firsthand.
While the ID. Buzz AD (Autonomous Driving) will be driving itself, a human driver will be present behind the wheel at all times to supervise the system and ensure everything goes according to plan. This cautious approach emphasizes safety and highlights Volkswagen’s commitment to responsible autonomous driving.
The autonomous VW ID. Buzz prototypes in Munich will bear a striking resemblance to their counterparts in Austin. They will feature the same black and yellow livery and a four-seater cabin. Equipped with Mobileye’s self-driving system, these prototypes will also include additional hardware such as roof-mounted cameras, radar, and lidar. These enhancements enable the prototypes to achieve Level 4 autonomy, which is just one step away from full autonomy (Level 5).
Volkswagen has expressed its confidence in the scalability of these prototypes once they are ready for series production. The growing test fleet in Europe and North America will contribute valuable data from various driving scenarios in urban environments. This data collection is crucial for refining the autonomous driving technology and ensuring its reliability and safety. Ultimately, Volkswagen aims to expand the fleet for commercial use, including ridesharing and transport services, in more cities across Europe and North America.
In Germany, MOIA will be the first company to take advantage of the ID. Buzz AD prototypes. MOIA has been a VW Group subsidiary since 2019 and is eager to explore the potential of autonomous driving in their operations. In North America, however, the autonomous vehicles will be operated by external companies from the mobility and transport sector, indicating Volkswagen’s openness to collaboration and partnerships in the region.
The expansion of Volkswagen’s autonomous testing program to Munich is a significant milestone in the development of self-driving technology. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and its determination to lead the way in the autonomous driving revolution. By allowing various stakeholders to experience autonomous driving firsthand, Volkswagen aims to build trust and generate excitement around this transformative technology.
The ID. Buzz AD prototypes represent the future of transportation, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for urban mobility. With their electric drivetrain and advanced autonomous capabilities, these vehicles have the potential to revolutionize the way we travel and reshape our cities. Volkswagen’s investment in autonomous driving technology aligns with its broader vision of becoming a leader in electric mobility and sustainable transportation.
As the testing program expands to Munich, Volkswagen is poised to gather valuable insights and feedback from European stakeholders. This feedback will be instrumental in further refining the autonomous driving technology and ensuring its compatibility with European roads and regulations. By involving government representatives, journalists, public authorities, and business people in the testing process, Volkswagen is fostering a collaborative approach to autonomous driving development.
In conclusion, Volkswagen’s expansion of its autonomous testing program to Munich marks an important step towards realizing the vision of autonomous driving. With its ID. Buzz AD prototypes, Volkswagen is pushing the boundaries of innovation and paving the way for a future where self-driving vehicles are commonplace. By involving various stakeholders and collecting data from different driving scenarios, Volkswagen is ensuring that its autonomous driving technology meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. As the world eagerly awaits the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles, Volkswagen is at the forefront of this transformative technology.