Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Conducts Autonomous Driving Tests With Passengers in Munich

Self-driving all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz ADs (Autonomous Driving) are hitting the road in Munich, Germany, carrying decision-makers from politics, public authorities and business as well as media representatives so that they can get an idea of the vehicle’s control capabilities. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' test programme has also launched in parallel in Austin, Texas, US.

The AD vehicle development process is focused on the vehicle’s commercial use in urban centres in Europe and North America, both for ridesharing schemes and transport services.

The all-electric ID. Buzz vehicles are equipped with a self-driving system from the technology company Mobileye.

Each of the vehicles, which are classified as level 4 vehicles according to the SAE standard), is equipped with cameras, radar and lidar technology.

During the test phase, all vehicles are occupied by supervising human drivers at all times.

The large-capacity model offers space for four passengers and can be produced in large quantities once it is ready for series production in order to meet growing mobility and transport requirements.

The aim is to expand both the establishment of commercially available transport services and the varied mobility portfolio of the Volkswagen Group.

Christian Senger, member of the Board of Management responsible for development of autonomous driving at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, says: “Expanding our autonomous vehicle programme to North America is the next step in our global strategic roadmap and the result of a long- term investment. This will help us to test, validate and refine the technology on American roads as well.”

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is a a leading manufacturer of light commercial vehicles.