Volkswagen’s Path to an Autonomous Future
Volkswagen plans to launch fully autonomous electric buses, known as ID Buzz AD, starting in 2026. These vehicles will be the first fully autonomous series vehicle produced in Europe and will initially be deployed in Hamburg and Los Angeles.
Market Potential and Strategy
The market for autonomous ride services has enormous growth potential. According to McKinsey, revenue in Europe and the US could rise to €450 billion by 2035. Volkswagen focuses on providing technology, vehicles, and software rather than operating mobility services themselves. This approach could appeal to both investors and fleet operators.
Investments and Partnerships
Volkswagen is investing billions in the robotaxi market to position itself as a leading provider. The in-house mobility service Moia serves as a technical platform and data supplier for the development of autonomous vehicles. Partnerships with companies like Uber are also significant, as they can support demand acquisition.
Importance for Investors and Savers
The developments in the robotaxi market are of interest to investors and savers as they offer significant growth potential. Investments in autonomous technologies could lead to substantial long-term returns, especially if companies like Volkswagen successfully gain a foothold in this market. Additionally, the elimination of driver wages and optimized operating costs for fleet operators could lead to rapid amortization of investments.
Challenges and Perspectives
Despite the great potential, there are also challenges, such as high development costs and the need for comprehensive infrastructure for autonomous vehicles. Moreover, regulatory hurdles must be overcome to enable the deployment of such vehicles. However, in the medium term, the use of robotaxis could lead to a fundamental change in the mobility landscape and open up new business opportunities.