German carmaker Volkswagen and Uber have agreed on a strategic partnership, with the automaker set to supply thousands of autonomous electric vehicles over the next 10 years for Uber rides in the United States.
“Testing is expected to begin later this year, with the first commercial launch expected in Los Angeles in 2026,” the US ride-hailing service said in a press release on Thursday.
The vehicles are set to be Volkswagen’s ID Buzz AD model.
The deal involves Volkswagen’s Hamburg-based autonomous mobility brand MOIA and its US-based subsidiary Volkswagen ADMT LLC.
“During the initial testing and launch phases, ID. Buzz AD vehicles will have human operators onboard to help refine the technology and ensure safety,” Uber said.
“Each step will proceed only after any necessary regulatory approvals have been received.”
The Volkswagen ID Buzz AD is modelled after the brand’s popular transporter, a staple among road-trippers and camping fans worldwide.
Source: dpa.com