Volkswagen Launches First US Autonomous Driving Test Fleet in Texas

Volkswagen is starting its first US autonomous vehicle test pilot in Austin, Texas, beginning in July, 2023. It will feature a batch of 10 all-electric ID. Buzz vehicles outfitted with an autonomous driving (AD) technology platform developed in partnership with technology company Mobileye.  

Over the next three years, VW plans to grow its test fleet in Austin and expand testing operations to at least four more American cities.

Building upon investments throughout this initial pilot, it anticipates a commercial launch of autonomous driving vehicles in Austin by 2026.

In the future, it aims to offer fleets of specially designed ID. Buzz AD vehicles as service including fleet management and remote guidance solutions to other leading companies in the mobility and transportation space, and establish long-term partnerships. 

The company has established a subsidiary named Volkswagen ADMT, LLC to support the rollout of its autonomous driving vehicle program, with teams in Belmont, California and Austin, Texas. 

Pablo Di Si, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, says: “We are thrilled to bring our exciting ID. Buzz vehicles to American roads. Expanding Volkswagen Group’s global autonomous driving vehicle program to the United States marks an important milestone for us. In the future, we will tap into rising demand for new mobility services, and with our iconic ID. Buzz, we will also offer a truly captivating product to support transportation services American consumers can rely upon and trust.”

“Expanding our autonomous vehicle program to the North American Region is the next step in our global strategic roadmap, and the result of a long-term collaborative investment”, adds Christian Senger, Member of the board of management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with responsibility for the development of autonomous driving. “Moving into this next phase will help us test, validate and refine technology, bring us closer to establishing commercially available transportation offerings and eventually grow the diverse mobility portfolio for the Volkswagen Group.”

“We are excited and ready to roll out our autonomous pilot and test fleet in Austin”, comments Katrin Lohmann, President, Volkswagen ADMT, LLC. “We selected Austin as the first U.S. hub, as the city has a track record for embracing innovation and offers a conducive climate for the testing of autonomous vehicles. We are committed to continuing an open and collaborative dialogue with the city and its diverse stakeholders.”

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. houses the US operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen.