E-Bulli ID Buzz is to become the first autonomous VW vehicle
VW ID Buzz. (Image: Volkswagen)
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The ID Buzz is said to be the first vehicle from the VW Group to be equipped with the Argo AI self-driving system. The aim is to develop a ride-hailing and pooling concept, according to VW.
A few months ago, Volkswagen (VW) began to prepare production at its plant in Hanover for the ID Buzz e-Bulli that was presented four years ago. VW wants to start manufacturing ID-Buzz in 2022, when the vehicle should also go on sale. Industry observers expect a price of around 40,000 euros. VW has now announced that the E-Bulli will be the first vehicle in the Volkswagen Group to also be able to drive autonomously.
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Autonomous systems at VW – starting shot in 2025
According to Christian Senger, Head of Autonomous Driving at VW, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division is currently preparing the introduction of autonomous systems for use in traffic. The starting shot should be given in 2025. This year, field trials are to start in Germany for the first time. VW wants to use Argo AI’s self-driving system in a version of the future ID Buzz.
The aim, according to Senger, is the development of a ride-hailing and pooling concept that corresponds roughly to the offer of the VW service Moia. From 2025, the planned VW service in selected cities is to bring users with autonomous vehicles to their respective destinations. In addition to the ID Buzz VW Commercial Vehicles intends to develop and build more vehicles that specialize in autonomous driving, such as taxis and vans, in the coming years.
VW relies on autonomous, electric driving
“With the approval of the Supervisory Board for our development program, we are now setting the course for the future of mobility. Autonomous, electric driving will make an important contribution to mobility and road safety in cities. Our vehicles are the logical first place to use such systems, ”explains Carsten Intra, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, on Friday.
Together with Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has invested in Argo AI, a company specializing in software platforms for autonomous driving. The $ 1 billion initial investment also included VW bringing its subsidiary AID (Autonomous Intelligent Driving) into Argo AI. In addition, the VW Group also invested in projects for the car software organization. There, assisted and automated driving functions up to level 4 are being developed for VW.
