Volkswagen has embarked on a new autonomous vehicle test program in Austin, Texas, utilizing a fleet of 10 all-electric ID Buzz vehicles equipped with partner Mobileye’s technology. This move marks a significant development in the company’s efforts to advance its autonomous driving capabilities.
A New Chapter for Volkswagen’s Autonomous Vehicle Efforts
The new program comes approximately nine months after Argo, an autonomous vehicle technology startup, ceased operations following the withdrawal of financial support from its backers, Volkswagen and Ford. Argo had been testing its AV technology in Austin last year before folding. The news suggests that Volkswagen is reviving its efforts in this space with a different partner and plan.
Volkswagen’s Autonomous Driving, Mobility, and Transport (ADMT) Subsidiary
Volkswagen Group of America is leading the effort in the United States, establishing a new subsidiary called ADMT (Autonomous Driving, Mobility, and Transport). This entity will have teams based in Belmont, California, and Austin. Volkswagen has stated its intention to employ former Argo engineers but did not disclose whether these individuals were already working for the company.
Testing and Expansion Plans
The initial phase of testing is expected to begin with a small number of vehicles in July, gradually increasing to all 10 by the end of the year. The ID Buzz vehicles will be equipped with cameras, lidar, radar, and self-driving software. During this period, human safety operators will be behind the wheel of each vehicle.
Volkswagen plans to expand its autonomous vehicle testing to at least four more American cities over the next three years. The company aims to launch commercial operations in Austin by 2026. This development does not appear to be a pure robotaxi play; instead, Volkswagen intends to monetize its autonomous technology by offering an autonomous vehicle service – self-driving ID Buzz vans and fleet management software – to other companies for deliveries or ride-hailing purposes.
Christian Senger’s Statement
"We are excited to expand our autonomous vehicle program to the North American Region," said Christian Senger, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. "This represents a significant step in our global strategic roadmap and is the result of long-term collaborative investment. Moving into this next phase will enable us to test, validate, and refine technology, bringing us closer to establishing commercially available transportation offerings and eventually growing our diverse mobility portfolio for the Volkswagen Group."
What’s Next?
The launch of Volkswagen’s autonomous vehicle test program in Austin marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to advance its self-driving capabilities. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Volkswagen’s plans unfold and what impact this technology has on the transportation landscape.
Related Topics:
- Argo AI
- Austin
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Electric Vehicles
- Transportation
- Volkswagen
- Volkswagen ADMT
