Volkswagen Is Manufacturing A Fully Autonomous Electric Taxi Vans by 2025

Photo credit: Volkswagen

The long-awaited 2024 ID. Buzz has been delayed a few times due to some production issues in the Volkswagen plant in Hanover, Germany. Volkswagen decided to manufacture the car in their Hanover plant instead of their Zwickau electric plant where the ID.3 compact hatchback and ID.4 crossover are currently being produced. Despite the Hanover plant requiring retooling to better accommodate the production of electric vehicles, Volkswagen will proceed as planned. Although there has been a delay for the 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Volkswagen has revealed that it’s testing Argo AI’s self-driving system on the ID. Buzz to achieve a self-driving car together. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is constantly working towards advancing the development and implementation of autonomous driving. Let’s take a look at what plans Volkswagen has collaborated with Argo to introduce autonomous driving systems for traffic use in 2025.

“This year, for the first time, we are conducting field trials in Germany, in which the self-driving system by Argo AI will be used in a version of the future ID. BUZZ by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The aim is to develop a ride-hailing and pooling concept similar to what MOIA offers today. In the middle of this decade, our customers will then have the opportunity to be taken to their destination in selected cities with autonomous vehicles.” said Christian Senger, Head of Autonomous Driving.

Volkswagen plans to bring a 2025 version of its upcoming retro-styled microbus ID. Buzz with the ability to drive itself in certain circumstances such as a taxi service. Volkswagen is developing the vehicle with Argo Ai, an autonomous vehicle start-up located in Pittsburgh backed by the German automaker and the Ford Motor company. As part of their cooperation, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have invested equally into Argo AI who specializes in software platforms for autonomous driving. The initial investment of one billion US dollars wasn’t all Volkswagen brought to the table, in addition, the automaker brought its AID ( Autonomous Intelligent Driving) into Argo AI to help however they can in the process. With both companies invested, VWCV continues the process to develop and build Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV), including Robo-taxis and vans for delivering goods.

The 2024 ID. Buzz is expected to offer what is known as Level four autonomy, which does not require drivers to be in control of the vehicle yet it can operate in specific zones such as geofenced areas or defined routes. Level five autonomy are fully autonomous systems that can drive completely on their own with no restrictions. Volkswagen plans to have the 2024 ID. Buzz ready for commercial transport of goods and passengers by 2025. Argo is currently testing its self-driving technology in six U.S cities using Ford vehicles. Argo unveiled Lidar, which they believe is the key technology to commercializing autonomous vehicles. Lidars, or light detection and ranging systems, can sense surroundings and help cars avoid obstacles by using light to create high-resolution images to provide more accurate views than cameras or radars. Volkswagen continues to keep one step ahead when it comes to the electrification of our future, interested in driving an electric Volkswagen?  

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Drive New Volkswagen With Our Help At Southern Volkswagen 

Are you excited about getting a new car? So are we! At Southern Volkswagen, we’re more than excited to help our customers, we’re thrilled. Looking for a new option to buy or lease? Take a look at our new vehicle inventory or our quality pre-owned vehicles. We can help sell your current vehicle or bring it back to life like new with an online appointment at our service center. Allow our professional techs to get started on all repairs or maintenance work. 

Looking for options with any financial help, needs, or suggestions to help make paying for a vehicle easier? Apply for Auto financing. Stop by today and see what we can do for you at Southern Volkswagen right now.