Argo AI, VW Test Self-Driving Vans in Germany

Argo AI and Volkswagen are ramping up testing and development of the all-electric ID. BUZZ AD (Autonomous Driving), a news release announced on Sept. 5. The continued work comes in preparation for the launch of autonomous services in Germany and beyond, and ahead of the IAA Mobility conference in Munich.

Argo and VW will debut the first model of the ID. BUZZ self-driving test vehicle at the conference. The automakers describes it as a retro-futuristic van and says it will be the first Volkswagen Group vehicle with SAE Level 4 automation capabilities. The vehicle is currently being tested on Argo’s new closed-course track at Franz Josef Strauss International Airport in Munich and will soon be deployed on the public streets of Munich itself.

The announcement adds that the goal is to deliver self-driving ID. BUZZ vehicles for commercial services in the city of Hamburg in 2025, with autonomous ride-pooling services to be run by VW’s subsidiary MOIA, a mobility as a service (MaaS) provider.

“Building on our five years of development and learnings from our operations in large, complex U.S. cities, we are excited to soon begin testing on the streets of Munich in preparation for the launch of the self-driving commercial ride-pooling service with MOIA,” Bryan Salesky, Argo’s founder and CEO, said in a statement.