Volkswagen
Last updated
Last updated
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) is starting its first autonomous vehicle test program in Austin beginning in July 2023. The company will kick off its program with a batch of 10 all-electric ID. Buzz vehicles outfitted with an autonomous driving (AD) technology platform developed by the global Volkswagen Group in partnership with technology company Mobileye.
Over the next three years, VWGoA plans to grow its test fleet in Austin and also progressively expand testing operations to at least four more American cities. Building upon investments throughout this initial pilot, VWGoA anticipates a commercial launch of autonomous driving vehicles in Austin by 2026.
Source: https://media.vw.com/en-us/releases/1750
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand is set to be supplied by Mobileye with software and hardware to achieve Level 4 ("fully automated driving"). Volkswagen ADMT, a Volkswagen Group subsidiary, will implement these components in fully electric development platforms based on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The goal of Volkswagen ADMT is to bring self-driving ID. Buzz vehicles to series production for mobility and transportation services.
“Going forward, we see the future as accessing mobility when you need it, not committing to owning one car for several years.”
So, how much would this cost? “This is all based on profit and cost modelling,” says Zellmer. “If you take the example of Level 4 autonomous driving modes, the cost of installing that into a car is huge: a five-digit Euro figure.
“Who’s going to pay that? It’s not for the mass market. Now take the case that we install that and switch it on and off remotely. Our cost modelling says if we charge €7 an hour for Level 4 autonomous drive mode, this is a profitable business case.
“Think about getting from London to say, Southampton on the train. How much is the train ticket? It’s certainly more than €7 an hour.”
For context, Southampton is a city on the English south coast about 80 miles (or a two-hour drive) from London. It’d cost about £50 for a standard-class train ticket for the 1hr 20min rail fare.
Source: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/vw-well-sell-you-level-4-autonomous-driving-eu7-hour
"On driverless cars, Mr Hilgenberg said there was already "a subscription model" where "you can drive autonomously if you want, for the next 50 miles. We would support that. We could give you autonomous driving for the next 50 miles, so you can relax or sleep or do whatever"."
Source: https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40913798.html
The all-electric powered Innovation Experience Vehicle (IEV) is a real prototype that drives autonomously (Level 5) and gives a realistic outlook for the mobility of the coming decade. The car’s modular interior concept makes it a flexible, sustainable Mobility-as-a-Service alternative to short-haul flights.
More videos & images: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/the-innovative-way-to-travel-design-study-gentravel-makes-world-debut-15206
https://www.progress.audi/progress/en/concept-cars/audi-grandsphere-concept.html
