Volkswagen tests self-driving microbuses in Los Angeles before Uber launch

Volkswagen subsidiary MOIA America and Uber have initiated testing of autonomous microbuses in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone as they move toward launching a robotaxi service by the end of 2026.

The companies revealed that testing is set to begin in the coming weeks, starting with a small fleet of around 10 self-driving versions of Volkswagen’s electric ID. Buzz minivan. The production-ready autonomous vehicle is designed to accommodate up to four passengers.

The collaboration between MOIA America and Uber was first announced last year, when both companies outlined plans to deploy a large-scale robotaxi network using autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles across multiple U.S. cities over the next decade. Los Angeles has been selected as the initial launch market for this effort.

According to Paul DeLong, president of commercialisation at MOIA America, Los Angeles presents an ideal environment for introducing autonomous ride services, citing the city’s long-standing influence on automotive culture and its openness to emerging mobility technologies.

Following their initial announcement, the two companies established a joint operational facility in Los Angeles to manage fleet logistics and day-to-day activities. While the initial testing fleet is small, Volkswagen intends to expand it to more than 100 autonomous vehicles gradually.

During the early phases, each vehicle will include a human safety operator on board. Fully driverless operations are expected to commence in 2027, once testing and regulatory approvals are in place.

Sascha Meyer, chief commercial officer at Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, described the development as a reflection of growing momentum in bringing autonomous transport solutions into real-world environments.

The MOIA America branding represents a relatively recent shift in Volkswagen’s U.S. autonomous vehicle operations, which were previously known as Volkswagen ADMT until early 2026. The MOIA name itself has been in use since 2018, when it was introduced at a technology event in London. In Europe, MOIA operates ride-pooling services and continues to test autonomous systems in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, and Oslo. The rebranding is intended to align the company’s U.S. and European operations more closely.

Before launching a commercial robotaxi service in California, MOIA America must complete a comprehensive regulatory process. This includes obtaining permits from the California Department of Motor Vehicles for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, as well as securing ride-hailing authorisation from the California Public Utilities Commission.

Meanwhile, Uber continues to diversify its autonomous vehicle strategy through partnerships with a wide range of companies. The firm is currently working with 25 partners across sectors such as delivery, drone logistics, ride-hailing, and freight transportation. Its most prominent U.S. collaboration remains with Waymo. However, Uber has also expanded internationally by forming agreements with companies in China to deploy robotaxi services in Europe and the Middle East, as well as with U.K.-based startup Wayve.

In addition, Uber recently agreed with Rivian to acquire 10,000 fully autonomous R2 vehicles. The deal includes an initial $300 million investment and is part of a broader plan to introduce these robotaxis in cities such as San Francisco and Miami by 2028.

The testing of autonomous microbuses in Los Angeles represents an important step in the broader push toward commercial self-driving mobility services, as companies continue to invest heavily in the future of transportation.