Overview

• Volkswagen and Uber have announced a partnership to deploy thousands of autonomous electric ID Buzz AD vans in the U.S. over the next ten years.
• Testing of the autonomous vans is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with the first commercial rides planned for Los Angeles in 2026.
• Uber customers will be able to hail these self-driving vans directly through the Uber app once operations commence.
• The partnership involves Volkswagen ADMT LLC, Moia (a VW subsidiary), and Uber, with an immediate start to preparations for the rollout.
• In a parallel move, Lyft has acquired the European mobility app FreeNow for €175 million, signaling intensified competition in the global ride-hailing market.