Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast-tracking the once-distant dream of self-driving cars into a fast-approaching reality, igniting a fierce race among automakers to take the lead. With the autonomous vehicle market forecast to soar beyond $2.

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.

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.