VW will use hardware and software developed by Argo AI.

Volkswagen (ETR: VOW3), which is targeting the launch of autonomous commercial delivery and micro-transit service in Germany by 2025, announced plans to trial new self-driving vehicles this summer in Germany. (The Verge)

On Wednesday, the German automaker, which is collaborating with Argo AI for the hardware and software required for autonomous driving, said it will use its electric ID. Buzz microbus vans in the tests. Argo AI is also backed by Ford (NYSE: F).

Volkswagen: The promise of autonomous driving

“We’re building our technology and partnering with Volkswagen in a way that really sets us apart from what others are doing,” said Bryan Salesky, Founder and CEO of Argo AI. “And we think it really puts us in a position to deliver a safe, smart, and scalable product to deliver on the promise of autonomous driving.”

Argo provides autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and hardware such as LIDAR sensors, radar, and cameras for self-driving vehicles. Its software, in combination with its sensor suite, enables the vehicle to sense the environment and take driving actions accordingly.

Argo already has a few years of AV testing with Ford under its belt. It will deploy the fifth generation of its technology on the ID. Buzz microvans.

According to Salesky, Argo has developed the largest urban self-driving test footprint – with operations in six cities in the U.S.

“We are excited to begin testing our self-driving system on European roads later this year, building on the initial work we’re doing now at a new test track we established next to the Munich airport,” he added.

MOIA

According to Volkswagen, its subsidiary MOIA will become the first user of the self-driving ID. BUZZ AD in 2025.

“MOIA has extensive experience in the field of mobility services and fleet management. Within a very short time, we have set up Europe’s largest, all-electric ride pooling service and provided mobility to millions of passengers. We bring this expertise to the cooperation with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Argo AI. Hamburg will be the first city to offer an autonomous ride pooling service with an ID. Buzz”, said CEO Robert Henrich to Fleetpoint.

MOIA is the largest sharing provider in Hamburg and currently employs 1,200 people.

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