Volkswagen of America and Uber announced a major partnership aimed at launching a robotaxi service in multiple U.S. cities, utilizing electric autonomous VW ID. Buzz microbuses. The companies outlined the ambitious initiative on Thursday, detailing their plans to roll out the first wave of the shared service in Los Angeles before the close of 2026.
Initially, these robotaxis will not be entirely driverless. Human safety operators will be stationed behind the wheel through an early testing phase, with plans to transition to fully autonomous rides beginning sometime in 2027, according to Volkswagen representatives.
This arrangement gives Volkswagen’s dedicated autonomous subsidiary, Volkswagen ADMT, roughly two years to handle the complex regulatory frameworks and permitting processes necessary for autonomous vehicle operation in California. Testing is expected to start later this year in Los Angeles, once Volkswagen ADMT secures its preliminary permit from the California DMV. While the DMV oversees the autonomous driving tests, the California Public Utilities Commission is responsible for granting the approvals needed to operate as a commercial ride-hailing service.
This significant step follows Volkswagen ADMT’s public launch in July 2023, when the subsidiary began experimenting with a fleet of ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with sensor systems from technology partner Mobileye in Austin, Texas. ADMT emerged shortly after Volkswagen Group and Ford ended their backing of the autonomous vehicle startup Argo, choosing instead to form stronger partnerships with established technology firms, notably Mobileye, to build out their self-driving capabilities.
Despite earlier statements made by Volkswagen’s management in 2023 indicating a disinterest in directly managing ride-hailing services, this recent collaboration with Uber demonstrates the automaker’s continued commitment towards commercializing its autonomous vehicles. Volkswagen appears comfortable leveraging its manufacturing expertise and autonomous platform, while relying on Uber’s existing network and rider base to provide the service itself.
Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, noted in a statement that Volkswagen’s collaboration with Uber symbolizes a significant shift as it moves from being solely a traditional automotive manufacturer toward a broader role in reshaping how people move in cities. He emphasized Volkswagen’s unique position, combining mass production capabilities with state-of-the-art technology and deep insights into urban mobility demand.
This collaboration marks yet another expansion in Uber’s extensive network of autonomous vehicle partnerships. Uber has already secured agreements with over a dozen companies in autonomous ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking industries, and has recently launched autonomous vehicle services in Austin in partnership with Waymo, with plans for further expansion into Atlanta this summer.
