VW to Roll Out Thousands of Robotaxis via Uber
Volkswagen of America and Uber have announced a bold plan to bring autonomous electric ride-hailing to multiple U.S. cities, starting with Los Angeles in 2026. The partnership will deploy a fleet of self-driving VW ID. Buzz vans — retro-inspired electric vehicles powered by Mobileye’s autonomous driving tech — with the ultimate goal of creating a scalable robotaxi service.
The launch strategy will begin conservatively. While the vehicles are equipped for autonomy, human safety drivers will initially be behind the wheel. Full driverless operation is targeted for 2027, giving Volkswagen's autonomous mobility subsidiary, VW ADMT, a two-year runway to secure regulatory approvals from California’s DMV and Public Utilities Commission.
VW ADMT, officially formed in mid-2023, is relatively new to the AV space but not without momentum. It already operates a pilot program in Austin with a fleet of ten ID. Buzz vehicles and is preparing to begin testing in Los Angeles later this year, pending permit approval.
This move marks a significant evolution in VW’s strategy. After abandoning its investment in Argo AI — the now-defunct autonomous startup it co-backed with Ford — Volkswagen pivoted to a partnership with Mobileye, leaning into their robust self-driving stack to power its vehicles. The focus now is clear: VW won’t build its own ride-hailing platform, but will supply electric autonomous vans and fleet tech to partners like Uber.
The collaboration also aligns with Uber’s broader strategy. Over the past few years, Uber has quietly inked over 14 deals across the autonomous space, expanding its reach into delivery, trucking, and now ride-hailing. Its recent robotaxi launches with Waymo in Austin and upcoming plans for Atlanta reinforce its vision of a hybrid AV future.
For Volkswagen, this isn't just about selling cars. It’s about evolving into a mobility company. As Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, put it: “We are shaping the future of mobility… What sets us apart is our ability to combine high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.”
The LA launch in 2026 is only the beginning. While neither company disclosed future city targets, this partnership sets the stage for a decade-long transformation in how Americans move through their cities — electrified, autonomous, and increasingly on-demand.
