The partnership builds on Uber’s strategy of integrating others’ autonomous systems into its ride-hail network, adding to existing deals with Waymo, WeRide, and Avride.

Volkswagen and Uber will bring autonomous VW ID. Buzz AD vans to Los Angeles starting in 2026, ahead of other US regions, with the goal of launching robotaxi operations under the Uber app. The automaker will begin testing its ID. Buzz vans in LA this year, at first with a safety driver on board.

Volkswagen isn’t typically mentioned in conversations about robotaxis, but the German auto giant has been quietly working on its own self-driving technology for over a decade. And now the company is ready to deploy its first autonomous vehicles on Uber’s ridehailing platform, starting with a commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles in 2026.