Volkswagen, through its subsidiary MOIA America, has teamed up with Uber to begin testing autonomous microbuses in Los Angeles a key step toward launching a robo taxi service by late 2026.

Testing Begins with ID. Buzz Fleet

The companies plan to roll out around 10 self-driving versions of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in the coming weeks. These vehicles are designed to carry up to four passengers and represent Volkswagen’s vision for future urban mobility.

While initial testing will include human safety operators onboard, fully driverless operations are expected to begin in 2027. Over time, the fleet is projected to scale beyond 100 vehicles as the program expands.

Why Los Angeles?

Los Angeles was selected as the first testing ground due to its deep-rooted car culture and openness to new transportation technologies. It also serves as a strategic launchpad for broader expansion into other U.S. cities over the next decade.

To support operations, MOIA America and Uber have already established a joint facility in the city to manage fleet logistics and day-to-day activities.

From Europe to the U.S.

Although MOIA America is a relatively new name, the MOIA brand has been active in Europe since 2018, where it operates ride-pooling services and tests autonomous vehicles in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich. The rebranding aligns Volkswagen’s U.S. and European mobility efforts under one unified identity.

Regulatory Road Ahead

Before launching a commercial robotaxi service in California, MOIA America must secure approvals from regulators, including the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission. These permits are essential for deploying fully driverless, fare-charging vehicles.

Uber’s Broader Autonomous Strategy

Uber continues to diversify its autonomous vehicle strategy through multiple partnerships. In addition to its collaboration with Volkswagen, the company works with firms like Waymo and has global agreements spanning delivery, trucking, and ride-hailing.

Recently, Uber also partnered with Rivian, committing to purchase 10,000 autonomous Rivian R2 robo taxis, backed by a $300 million investment, with plans to deploy them in cities like San Francisco and Miami by 2028.

The Bigger Picture

This collaboration highlights the accelerating push toward autonomous mobility. With major automakers and tech companies joining forces, cities like Los Angeles are becoming real-world testing grounds for the future of transportation.

If successful, Volkswagen and Uber’s robo taxi service could mark a major shift in how people move around cities replacing traditional car ownership with shared, autonomous ride experiences.

Photo by: Veli Can