The Volkswagen Group company MOIA America and Uber Technologies have begun on-road validation testing of purpose-built, autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles in Los Angeles, marking the next phase of their strategic partnership introduced last year.
MOIA plans to scale its fleet during the testing phase to more than 100 autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles with onboard human operators to supervize the validation of autonomous vehicle technology. The autonomous ID. Buzz is a core element of MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility platform. Rides on the Uber platform are planned for late 2026.
“This next step for MOIA America with Uber reflects strong momentum behind the strategy to bring autonomous mobility into real-world operation,” said Sascha Meyer, chief commercial officer for Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility. “By combining MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution with Uber’s global network, MOIA America is creating a scalable path toward driverless ride hailing services, starting in Los Angeles and expanding to additional markets in the years ahead.”
MOIA America and Uber first introduced their strategic partnership in April 2025 and have since opened a joint facility in Los Angeles for day-to-day fleet operations. MOIA America and Uber plan to scale a fleet of thousands of autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles, supporting a shared goal to introduce driverless ride hailing services together in multiple US markets.
“This milestone marks an important step forward as we prepare to launch autonomous rides with MOIA,” said Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery at Uber. “By combining the autonomous-ready version of Volkswagen’s iconic ID. Buzz vehicle with MOIA’s advanced autonomous technology and Uber’s global platform, we’re setting the foundation to bring autonomous rides to more riders in Los Angeles and, over time, cities around the world.”
“With the introduction of MOIA America, we’re establishing a unified brand presence as we expand our autonomous testing activities in the US,” added Paul DeLong, president of commercialization, MOIA America. “Los Angeles is a natural market to introduce MOIA’s autonomous vehicles for ride experiences, given its long history of shaping car culture and embracing new mobility technologies. Together with Uber, we’re bringing MOIA’s autonomous vehicles and expertise onto a platform millions of riders already use and trust.”
Related news, Waymo launches fully autonomous ride hailing service in Nashville
