Volkswagen's mobility brand MOIA has officially announced the launch of its autonomous version of the ID. Buzz electric vehicle in Germany, with plans to expand to Europe and the United States by 2026. This MPV, designed specifically for autonomous ride-sharing, is equipped with 27 sensors and Level 4 autonomous driving technology. Its primary target customers are fleet operators and municipal agencies, standing in stark contrast to Tesla's consumer-focused Robotaxi strategy.
Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen Group, stated that the driverless shuttle solutions offered by MOIA include sensing systems, management platforms, training services, and booking systems, enabling fleet operators to quickly deploy and provide autonomous driving services based on demand. Hamburg has become the first municipal customer, while Los Angeles in the United States plans to partner with Uber to launch the ID. Buzz in 2026.
MOIA emphasizes that this vehicle is designed specifically for autonomous driving. The ID. Buzz integrates Mobileye certified technology and can seamlessly connect to MOIA's mobility platform, supporting fleet management and passenger services. The interior boasts a minimalistic design, offering four seats and spacious legroom, complete with faux wood flooring and large armrests. The luggage rack is situated at the front, allowing passengers to unlock and board using their mobile phones.
The ID. Buzz is equipped with a combination of 13 cameras, 9 lidar sensors, and 5 millimeter-wave radars, providing 360-degree blind spot-free road observation capability. This hardware supports its ability to perform fully automated driving tasks in specific scenarios, matching the technical standards of the Waymo fleet in the American market.
Volkswagen is set to kick off related deployments next year, depending on regulatory approvals. The comprehensive solution includes simulation training, real-time fleet monitoring, and support for dispatching in urban or remote areas, aiming to provide reliable autonomous driving options for municipal and operational units. Currently, the autonomous driving market is highly competitive, with Waymo managing over 250,000 ride services weekly, while Tesla plans to roll out autonomous taxi services with its Model Y in the U.S. Volkswagen's strategic choice emphasizes customized vehicles combined with a B2B model, showcasing an alternative visionary direction for enterprise-level autonomous driving business.
