The all-electric ID. Buzz vehicles in the test fleet offer mass production technologies and are equipped with a self-driving system from Mobileye which includes cameras, radar, and LiDAR sensors. Throughout the pilot, the fleet collects data on miles driven across a variety of driving scenarios, while a supervising human driver occupies the AV at all times.

The announcement follows the launch of a similar autonomous test program in Austin, TX, with both pilots supporting the ID. Buzz AD’s development. The development process itself is focused on the vehicle’s commercial use in urban centers in Europe and North America for ridesharing schemes and transport services.

In Germany, Volkswagen’s MOIA subsidiary will be the first to leverage the autonomous vehicles. Though, in the U.S., autonomous driving services using the self-driving ID. Buzz model will be hosted by external companies from the mobility and transport sector.

The OEM will initially launch the program with a fleet of 10 all-electric ID.Buzz vehicles provided by the Volkswagen Commercial vehicles brand in Germany, and equipped with an autonomous driving platform co-developed by the Volkswagen Group and Mobileye. Over the next three years, Volkswagen expects to grow its test fleet in Austin while expanding its testing operations to a minimum of four new cities further across the U.S. Building upon its investments made throughout the pilot, VWGoA will look to commercially launch its autonomous driving vehicles in Austin by 2026.

Supporting this strategy, which Volkswagen will more broadly leverage to aid its global autonomous driving vehicle research and development, is the establishment of a new subsidiary, Volkswagen ADMT, LCC1. The new company will support the rollout of its autonomous driving vehicle program, with teams in Belmont, California, and Austin, and employ team members who previously worked with Argo AI.

In Austin, Volkswagen will use its growing test fleet of ID. Buzz AD vehicles to collect data through driven miles across various driving scenarios. Each of the AVs utilizes a combination of cameras, radars, and LiDAR technology offered through the autonomous driving platform Volkswagen developed alongside Mobileye. While the AVs used in the Austin trial will be capable of SAE Level 4 driving functions, Volkswagen confirmed that – throughout the initial test phase – they will be staffed with supervising human drivers at all times.

In the future, the VWGoA aims to offer fleets of dedicated ID. Buzz AVs as a comprehensive service (including fleet management and remote guidance solutions) to companies in the mobility and transportation space, while establishing new long-term partnerships.

For gas-powered vehicles equipped with Car-Net hardware, this multi-year complimentary offer includes Automatic Crash Notifications, Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Anti-Theft Alerts. For ID.4 EVs, it includes the Automatic Crash Notifications and Emergency Assistance services. For owners of any 2020 to 2023 vehicle equipped with Car-Net, the coverage begins when the owner creates a myVW account and accepts the myVW and Car-Net terms of service. This coverage will then remain active for five years after the sale date, or June 1, 2023. For those vehicles equipped with Car-Net, services are offered in three plans: Safe & Secure, Remote Access, and Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Car-Net Safe & Secure enables quick access to the Emergency Assistance feature through an SOS button in the vehicle. If a cellular connection can be established, the driver is put into contact with a Car-Net service center, who can quickly direct emergency responders to the vehicle’s location and notify the user’s emergency contact. Automatic Crash Notification works similarly, automatically notifying an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision.

In ICE vehicles, the Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if their vehicle’s anti-theft alarm is triggered, while Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses Car-Net technology to help law enforcement locate the vehicle in the event that it is stolen. Information Assistance, accessed through the vehicle’s i-call button, allows the driver to speak to a Car-Net agent for support needs (such as points of interest and account services).

Car-Net’s Remote Access services will also be offered at no additional charge for five years from purchase on 2020 and newer models equipped with Car-Net. It enables owners to interact with their vehicle using the myVW mobile app, allowing them to remotely start and stop the vehicle (if equipped), lock and unlock the doors, activate the horn and lights, find the last parked location, and access a remote vehicle status display – which provides information on its estimated fuel level and mileage, as well as its door and window status. Volkswagen’s Remote Access services also include Family Guardian services (Speed Alert, Boundary Alert, Valet Alert), as well as Roadside Call Assist.

Car-Net Wi-Fi Hotspot is a data plan subscription that allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously – including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, and more – to a 4G LTE-enabled hotspot. Customers have the option of selecting a data plan from either Verizon or T-Mobile. The OEM confirmed that existing Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile customers with a mobile data plan will be able to add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new line item to their current monthly bill.

The core focus of the project’s work will focus on data-driven software development based on information from surround sensors. To aid this process, the partnership will spawn a new development environment for the recording, evaluation, and processing of this data which will also utilize AI methods.

For vehicles sold under the Volkswagen Group’s brand portfolio, the partnership aims to deliver functions that will allow drivers to temporarily remove their hands from the steering wheel. These include L2 hands-free systems for urban, extra-urban, and freeway driving. The partnership will also look to develop an L3 system that operates independently of the user when driving on freeways. Both companies confirmed that the first of these functions would be installed in 2023, with more to follow and that other OEMs can integrate the components developed throughout the partnership into their own vehicles and ecosystems.

The partnership will span a number of locations owned by Bosch and CARIAD – though it will be centered in Germany at Stuttgart and Ingolstadt. Here, Bosch’s Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division will work with CARIAD’s staff to develop partially and highly automated driving functions. Both companies expect that the various modules required by the project will require a workforce of more than 1,000 as well as new recruits.

In addition to examining the possibility of joint development targets and timelines for fully-autonomous vehicles, the partnership will also work to provide further clarity to high-resolution maps and on corner cases.

For the integration of the technology into the all-electric ID. BUZZ AD, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has founded a dedicated business section  and partnered with Argo AI, the US-headquartered autonomous vehicle technology platform company that is developing the self-driving system. Earlier this year, Argo integrated its self-driving system with a Volkswagen vehicle prototype to begin testing in Germany.

Both Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Argo AI regard the use of a combination of sensors – including lidar, radar and cameras – essential for safe autonomous driving capability. Argo AI recently unveiled its new lidar sensor, Argo Lidar, which allows it to see objects from 400 meters away. Argo AI’s proprietary Geiger-mode lidar has the ability to detect the smallest particle of light — a single photon — which is key to sensing objects with low reflectivity.

There are also concrete plans for the commercial use of the future technology for transport service providers. Volkswagen Group subsidiary MOIA will in 2025 become the first user of the self-driving ID. BUZZ AD.

Volkswagen has already earmarked €73 billion for future technologies from 2021 through 2025, representing 50% of total investments. The share of investments into electrification and digitalization will be further increased. The Group will also continue to raise efficiency and is on track to meet its 5% fix cost reduction program that it set out for the next two years. Volkswagen is also committed to reducing material costs by another 7% and is optimizing its ICE business with fewer models, a reduced ICE drivetrain portfolio and a better price mix.

Unprecedented platform model to scale up future technologies

The comprehensive approach across four key technology platforms is meant to allow Volkswagen Group to generate unparalleled synergies for all passenger and light commercial vehicle brands as well, and can also be partially leveraged for trucks. Synergies are expected to arise in many areas: from a universal BEV product architecture to CARIAD’s global software platform, own cell and battery production at scale, all the way to a mobility platform that bundles a range of services seamlessly.

Mechatronics – Enabler for growing portfolio of software services

The SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) as Volkswagen Group’s next generation mechatronics platform will significantly reduce complexity over time. As the successor of MQB, MSB, MLB, as well as MEB and PPE, it will extend the consolidation from three ICE-platforms to two BEV-platforms, to finally one unified architecture for the whole product portfolio. From 2026 onwards, the Group plans to start the production of pure electric vehicles on the SSP. This next generation will be all-electric, fully digital and highly scalable. Over its lifetime, more than 40 million vehicles are projected on this basis. Like the MEB today, the SSP will be open to other auto manufacturers.

To improve and speed up its mechatronics platform competencies, the Group will invest around €800 million into a new Research & Development facility in Wolfsburg, where the core of the SSP platform and its modules will be designed.

Software – Seamless, global software platform to enable intelligent and autonomous driving

Software will enable the seamless integration of NEW AUTO into the customers’ digital lives and deliver even higher economies of scale. Volkswagen Group’s automotive software company CARIAD aspires to develop the leading software platform by 2025, as one software backbone for all group cars. Currently, the entity is working on three software platforms: E³ 1.1 allows for upgrades and over-the-air updates of the MEB product portfolio, such as the Volkswagen ID.4, the Skoda Enyaq or the CUPRA Born. In 2023, CARIAD will release the premium software platform 1.2 (E³ 1.2): It will enable a variety of functions including a new unified infotainment system and over-the-air updates for Audi und Porsche vehicles. In 2025, CARIAD plans to launch a new unified, scalable software platform and end-to-end electronic architecture:

The software stack 2.0 (E³ 2.0) will include a unified operating system for vehicles from all Group brands. Another key feature will be level 4 readiness, meaning that customers can hand over the steering fully to the car.

Learning from a vast pool of real-time data through always-connected, automated driving, the Group fleet can be continuously updated with new features and services tailored to customers’ mobility needs. The so-called Big Loop Process for millions of vehicles will significantly expand the product lifecycle. By 2030, up to 40 million vehicles across brands will be operating on the Group´s software platforms.

Battery & Charging – Infrastructure as key to maximizing the “NEW AUTO” potential

Proprietary battery tech, charging infrastructure and energy services are key success factors in the new mobility world. Therefore, power will be a Volkswagen Group core competency by 2030, with the two pillars “battery cell and system” and “charging and energy” under the roof of the new Group division Technology.

Volkswagen Group plans to establish a controlled battery supply chain by setting up new partnerships and tackling all aspects from raw material to recycling. The goal is to create a closed loop in the battery value chain as the most sustainable and cost-effective way to build batteries.

In order to reach its goal, Volkswagen Group is advancing battery competence and reducing complexity. To that extent, it is introducing one unified battery cell format with up to 50% cost reduction and up to 80% use cases by 2030. Six giga factories in Europe with a total production capacity of 240 GWh by 2030 will help to secure battery supply.

The first location in Skellefteå, Sweden, will be operated by Northvolt AB. Volkswagen Group just invested an additional €500 million in its premium cell partner and works with Northvolt towards starting production in 2023.

For the second location in Salzgitter, Volkswagen Group yesterday signed an agreement with Chinese cell specialist Gotion High-Tech as its technological partner for a start of production in 2025. Together, both partners will develop and industrialize the volume segment of the unified cell in the German plant.

As a third location, Volkswagen Group intends to make Spain a strategic pillar of its electric campaign and is considering to establish the entire value chain of electric cars in that country. As part of a larger transformation program, the localization would secure supply for the planned BEV production in Spain. Volkswagen Group verifies the option for a giga factory together with a strategic partner. In its final expansion stage at the end of the decade, the plant is intended to have a yearly capacity of 40 GWh hours. It is also envisaged that the Group’s Small BEV Family will be produced in Spain from 2025. The final decision will depend on the general framework and state subsidies.

Volkswagen Group also intends to offer customers a one-stop solution from charging hardware to Energy Management Services. Ultimately, the Group plans to build an entire charging and energy eco-system around the vehicle, ensuring convenient charging to customers and opening up further business opportunities. These technologies and services will become a core Volkswagen Group competency.

In addition Volkswagen is to boost public charging infrastructure in Asia, Europe and America building on successful Group initiatives such as CAMS in China or Electrify America in the U.S.

Electrify America today announced plans to more than double its current electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada to a total of 1,800 fast charging stations with 10,000 charging points installed by 2025. The expansion will increase the deployment of 150 and 350 kW chargers – the fastest speed available today – and help pave the way for more electric vehicles in North America.

At the same time, the Group has secured new partnerships to provide European customers with convenient charging, i.e. with BP, Iberdrola and Enel. Volkswagen Group and Enel X today announced a joint venture to enhance the electric vehicle uptake in Italy. It will own and operate a high-power charging (HPC) network infrastructure with more than 3,000 charging points of up to 350 kW each across the nation by 2025.

Volkswagen Group will implement an overall of 18,000 HPC points in Europe, 17,000 in China and 10,000 in U.S. and Canada.

Thomas Schmall, CEO Group Components, said: “A Volkswagen-controlled battery supply chain will enable us to have authority over the biggest cost block, offer the best and most sustainable batteries to our customers and secure BEV success. BEVs will become mobile power banks that can be fully integrated in the energy grid through bi-directional charging. This will enable us to generate additional profits from participation in the energy market by 2030.”

Mobility Solutions – autonomous driving will be a game changer

By 2030, Volkswagen Group will also have systems capabilities for autonomous shuttle fleets, owning some of them and expanding its offerings of mobility services and financing. Mobility as a service and transport as a service, fully autonomous, will be an integral part of NEW AUTO. The value chain consists of four business areas: the self-driving system, its integration into vehicles, the fleet management and the mobility platform.

Volkswagen Group is already at the forefront of development of a self-driving system for autonomous shuttles with its strategic partner ARGO AI. CARIAD will develop level 4 automated driving capabilities for passenger vehicles. The Group could thus create the biggest neuronal network of vehicles on the streets worldwide.

With pilot projects in Munich, Volkswagen Group is currently testing the first autonomous buses and is planning to roll out similar projects in other cities in Germany, China and the US. In 2025, Volkswagen plans to offer its first autonomous mobility service in Europe, shortly followed by the U.S. Future profit pools are very promising: by 2030, the total market for mobility as a service in the five largest European markets alone is expected to amount to $70 billion.

In the coming years, one platform is meant to integrate all mobility offerings from the Group and its brands, allowing Volkswagen to capture a significant market share and additional revenue streams. One vehicle fleet covering all different services from renting, subscriptions, to sharing and ride hailing will ensure high availability, occupancy rates and profitability.

The agreement includes a license under Huawei’s 4G standard essential patents (SEPs), which covers Volkswagen vehicles equipped with wireless connectivity. This agreement marks Huawei’s largest licensing deal in the automotive industry.

Huawei expects more than 30 million vehicles to be licensed under its patents based on existing license agreements.

Over the past 20 years, Huawei has entered into more than 100 patent license agreements with major global companies across Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Huawei will continue to bring digital connectivity to more vehicles globally to establish a fully connected, intelligent world.

It is based on a combination of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and adaptive lane guidance. ACC ensures that the Polo maintains the permitted speed selected by the driver and leverages Dynamic Road Sign Display to understand how fast it is allowed to drive in certain areas. Using radar sensor technology, it can also detect if a slower vehicle appears in front of it. If this is the case, the car brakes to maintain a safe following distance. If there are no longer any cars in front, the car begins to accelerate again. The Polo will also feature a predictive ACC system that works in conjunction with the navigation system and dual clutch gearbox (DSG). This combination allows the vehicle to react to bends, or town boundaries, and automatically reduce speed.

The Polo’s Lane Assist feature uses a camera to scan the area in front of it, detecting lane markings and correcting steering if any movement outside the lane is detected. However, much like SAE’s Level 2 requirements, the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel throughout this process. They can also signal when they want Lane Assist to be activated via the touch-sensitive steering wheel rim.

With the manual 5- and 6-speed gearboxes, Travel Assist can be used from a speed of 30km/h (18mph) to the maximum speed of 210km/h (130mph). If the Polo is fitted with a 7-gear DSG, Travel Assist is available from a speed of 0km/h.

Travel Assist and ACC are available for the Polo through Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE package. Lane Assist comes as standard in the new Polo.