- Uber and Volkswagen of America are teaming up to deploy Volkswagen’s ID. BUZZ microbus as a commercial robotaxi fleet, launching in Los Angeles in 2026 with human safety operators and transitioning to full autonomy in 2027. The partnership builds on Uber’s strategy of integrating others’ autonomous systems into its ride-hail network, adding to existing deals with Waymo, WeRide, Avride, and Nvidia.
Uber and Volkswagen of America are teaming up to launch a new commercial robotaxi network built around Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. BUZZ microbuses.
The companies plan to roll out the fleet in multiple U.S. cities over the next decade, starting with Los Angeles in 2026.
Before going fully driverless in 2027, each vehicle will carry a human safety operator as Volkswagen of America’s autonomous arm (VW ADMT) works through California’s regulatory process. Testing in Los Angeles is slated to begin later this year, as soon as VW ADMT’s initial permit arrives.
VW ADMT itself debuted publicly in July 2023 with a 10-van ID. BUZZ fleet in Austin, using technology from partner Mobileye.
“Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,” Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility said in a statement. “What really sets us apart is our ability to combine the best of both worlds—high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.”
MOIA, a Volkswagen AG brand, will supply the complete hardware and software package, including the electric ID. Buzz AD vehicles and the back-end fleet-management system that powers the service on Uber’s platform.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous mobility, and highlights both Volkswagen’s and Uber’s shared dedication to building the future of transportation,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. “We can’t wait to launch in Los Angeles late next year.”
Uber’s autonomous fleet
Uber has pursued a partnership-first strategy when it comes to autonomous driving, opting to integrate others’ autonomous systems into its ride-hail network rather than field its own robotaxi fleet.
The ride-hailing company already dispatches Waymo’s fully driverless Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Austin—and will add Atlanta later this year—under a deal in which Uber handles charging, cleaning, and customer access, while Waymo remains responsible for the “Waymo Driver” technology and roadside assistance.
Beyond Waymo and VW, Uber has also inked deals with Avride, China’s WeRide, and technology provider Nvidia.
By partnering rather than competing directly, Uber leverages its platform to give its AV partners instant access to riders, while avoiding the regulatory complexity of developing self-driving systems in-house.
The company pulled back on efforts to develop its own autonomous driving tech, notably selling its Advanced Technologies Group to Aurora in 2020.
The ride-hailing giant is expecting some competition from Tesla, which recently announced plans to roll out its robotaxi or “Cybercab.” Tesla plans to begin trialing the Cybercab in Austin in June of this year.
Fleets of autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly lower costs for ride-hailing companies like Uber and their customers, but these potential savings are still a long way off.
