Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD robotaxi ready for sale from 2026
The production version of the self-driving Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD taxi has been unveiled, and the German automaker is hoping to make it available for use in various markets across Europe and US from 2026.
Developed by the Volkswagen Group's MOIA ride-sharing division, the ID. Buzz AD is an SAE Level 4 self-driving vehicle, meaning it drives itself by default, but there are controls for a human to use if the need arises.
Its autonomous driving technology is from Mobileye, which uses an array of 27 sensors – 13 cameras, nine LIDAR units, and five radars – to generate a 360-degree view.
This is married to MOIA's own Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform that manages the robotaxi fleet, deals with passenger assistance and safety issues, and integrates into existing booking apps.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Volkswagen is looking to sell MOIA's service platform and fleets of the ID. Buzz AD to municipalities, public transport agencies, and private operators looking to get into the ride-sharing and robotaxi scene.
This approach contrasts quite starkly with Google's Waymo division, which is developing its own self-driving technology, and running its own robotaxi services in a growing number of cities in the US.
Volkswagen and MOIA have been developing the ID. Buzz AD since 2021, and the company originally targeted a launch in 2025. The company has been testing its robotaxi services in two German cities, with the public able to book rides in Hanover and Hamburg.
In a prepared statement, Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, said: "With our fully autonomous complete solution, we are creating a mobility offering that is unique in this form: cities, municipalities, and fleet operators can provide autonomous mobility for all simply and reliably."
Aside from the proliferation of cameras and sensors, the body work of the ID. Buzz is untouched. The production vehicle's sensor pods, especially the roof-mounted unit, are much more slickly integrated into the body compared to the prototype models.
Unlike the regular ID. Buzz electric people mover, which is available in either a two-row five-seat or three-row seven-seat configurations, the AD has a unique interior layout with two narrow seats in the second row, and a large passageway leading to two larger seats in the third row.
Each row of seats has SOS emergency stop and support call buttons, a USB-C charging port, and start/stop button. Vinyl seat trim and a hard floor should make the ID. Buzz robotaxi easy to clean.
There's also a driver's seat up front. If self-driving without human oversight is allowed by local regulations, the driver's seat can be pushed and tilted forward, and the steering wheel covered. Regardless, the space normally occupied by the front passenger's seat is replaced by a bounded cargo tray suitable for various types of luggage.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The production version of the self-driving Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD taxi has been unveiled, and the German automaker is hoping to make it available for use in various markets across Europe and US from 2026.
Developed by the Volkswagen Group's MOIA ride-sharing division, the ID. Buzz AD is an SAE Level 4 self-driving vehicle, meaning it drives itself by default, but there are controls for a human to use if the need arises.
Its autonomous driving technology is from Mobileye, which uses an array of 27 sensors – 13 cameras, nine LIDAR units, and five radars – to generate a 360-degree view.
This is married to MOIA's own Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform that manages the robotaxi fleet, deals with passenger assistance and safety issues, and integrates into existing booking apps.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Volkswagen is looking to sell MOIA's service platform and fleets of the ID. Buzz AD to municipalities, public transport agencies, and private operators looking to get into the ride-sharing and robotaxi scene.
This approach contrasts quite starkly with Google's Waymo division, which is developing its own self-driving technology, and running its own robotaxi services in a growing number of cities in the US.
Volkswagen and MOIA have been developing the ID. Buzz AD since 2021, and the company originally targeted a launch in 2025. The company has been testing its robotaxi services in two German cities, with the public able to book rides in Hanover and Hamburg.
In a prepared statement, Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, said: "With our fully autonomous complete solution, we are creating a mobility offering that is unique in this form: cities, municipalities, and fleet operators can provide autonomous mobility for all simply and reliably."
Aside from the proliferation of cameras and sensors, the body work of the ID. Buzz is untouched. The production vehicle's sensor pods, especially the roof-mounted unit, are much more slickly integrated into the body compared to the prototype models.
Unlike the regular ID. Buzz electric people mover, which is available in either a two-row five-seat or three-row seven-seat configurations, the AD has a unique interior layout with two narrow seats in the second row, and a large passageway leading to two larger seats in the third row.
Each row of seats has SOS emergency stop and support call buttons, a USB-C charging port, and start/stop button. Vinyl seat trim and a hard floor should make the ID. Buzz robotaxi easy to clean.
There's also a driver's seat up front. If self-driving without human oversight is allowed by local regulations, the driver's seat can be pushed and tilted forward, and the steering wheel covered. Regardless, the space normally occupied by the front passenger's seat is replaced by a bounded cargo tray suitable for various types of luggage.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The production version of the self-driving Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD taxi has been unveiled, and the German automaker is hoping to make it available for use in various markets across Europe and US from 2026.
Developed by the Volkswagen Group's MOIA ride-sharing division, the ID. Buzz AD is an SAE Level 4 self-driving vehicle, meaning it drives itself by default, but there are controls for a human to use if the need arises.
Its autonomous driving technology is from Mobileye, which uses an array of 27 sensors – 13 cameras, nine LIDAR units, and five radars – to generate a 360-degree view.
This is married to MOIA's own Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform that manages the robotaxi fleet, deals with passenger assistance and safety issues, and integrates into existing booking apps.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Volkswagen is looking to sell MOIA's service platform and fleets of the ID. Buzz AD to municipalities, public transport agencies, and private operators looking to get into the ride-sharing and robotaxi scene.
This approach contrasts quite starkly with Google's Waymo division, which is developing its own self-driving technology, and running its own robotaxi services in a growing number of cities in the US.
Volkswagen and MOIA have been developing the ID. Buzz AD since 2021, and the company originally targeted a launch in 2025. The company has been testing its robotaxi services in two German cities, with the public able to book rides in Hanover and Hamburg.
In a prepared statement, Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, said: "With our fully autonomous complete solution, we are creating a mobility offering that is unique in this form: cities, municipalities, and fleet operators can provide autonomous mobility for all simply and reliably."
Aside from the proliferation of cameras and sensors, the body work of the ID. Buzz is untouched. The production vehicle's sensor pods, especially the roof-mounted unit, are much more slickly integrated into the body compared to the prototype models.
Unlike the regular ID. Buzz electric people mover, which is available in either a two-row five-seat or three-row seven-seat configurations, the AD has a unique interior layout with two narrow seats in the second row, and a large passageway leading to two larger seats in the third row.
Each row of seats has SOS emergency stop and support call buttons, a USB-C charging port, and start/stop button. Vinyl seat trim and a hard floor should make the ID. Buzz robotaxi easy to clean.
There's also a driver's seat up front. If self-driving without human oversight is allowed by local regulations, the driver's seat can be pushed and tilted forward, and the steering wheel covered. Regardless, the space normally occupied by the front passenger's seat is replaced by a bounded cargo tray suitable for various types of luggage.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The production version of the self-driving Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD taxi has been unveiled, and the German automaker is hoping to make it available for use in various markets across Europe and US from 2026.
Developed by the Volkswagen Group's MOIA ride-sharing division, the ID. Buzz AD is an SAE Level 4 self-driving vehicle, meaning it drives itself by default, but there are controls for a human to use if the need arises.
Its autonomous driving technology is from Mobileye, which uses an array of 27 sensors – 13 cameras, nine LIDAR units, and five radars – to generate a 360-degree view.
This is married to MOIA's own Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform that manages the robotaxi fleet, deals with passenger assistance and safety issues, and integrates into existing booking apps.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Volkswagen is looking to sell MOIA's service platform and fleets of the ID. Buzz AD to municipalities, public transport agencies, and private operators looking to get into the ride-sharing and robotaxi scene.
This approach contrasts quite starkly with Google's Waymo division, which is developing its own self-driving technology, and running its own robotaxi services in a growing number of cities in the US.
Volkswagen and MOIA have been developing the ID. Buzz AD since 2021, and the company originally targeted a launch in 2025. The company has been testing its robotaxi services in two German cities, with the public able to book rides in Hanover and Hamburg.
In a prepared statement, Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, said: "With our fully autonomous complete solution, we are creating a mobility offering that is unique in this form: cities, municipalities, and fleet operators can provide autonomous mobility for all simply and reliably."
Aside from the proliferation of cameras and sensors, the body work of the ID. Buzz is untouched. The production vehicle's sensor pods, especially the roof-mounted unit, are much more slickly integrated into the body compared to the prototype models.
Unlike the regular ID. Buzz electric people mover, which is available in either a two-row five-seat or three-row seven-seat configurations, the AD has a unique interior layout with two narrow seats in the second row, and a large passageway leading to two larger seats in the third row.
Each row of seats has SOS emergency stop and support call buttons, a USB-C charging port, and start/stop button. Vinyl seat trim and a hard floor should make the ID. Buzz robotaxi easy to clean.
There's also a driver's seat up front. If self-driving without human oversight is allowed by local regulations, the driver's seat can be pushed and tilted forward, and the steering wheel covered. Regardless, the space normally occupied by the front passenger's seat is replaced by a bounded cargo tray suitable for various types of luggage.
MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Defence Minister Richard Marles celebrates a win amid Coalition criticism
With a cloud hanging over the AUKUS submarine deal and the Opposition attacking the government for refusing to bow to United States pressure to lift Defence spending, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is preparing to celebrate a win. The Albanese government's plan for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy will hit a milestone on Saturday with the addition of the HMAS Arafura. Built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia, the vessel entered Fremantle this week ahead of a commissioning ceremony on Saturday, following testing and evaluation by Defence. Mr Marles said the commissioning of HMAS Arafura "marks an important milestone" and meant the Navy could "continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders". "We will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet," he said. It is the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel of the Navy's surface fleet, with a second - NUSHIP Eyre - having been built and awaiting acceptance by the Navy. On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese resisted pressure to commit a higher proportion of GDP to defence spending, as the US insisted its allies increase their share. The Opposition heaped criticism on Mr Albanese this week over defence spending and the Prime Minister's inability, to date, to secure a make-up meeting or phone call with United States President Donald Trump, who cancelled a face-to-face last week as he left the G7 Leaders' Summit early to deal with the Israel-Iran crisis. Mr Albanese had been expected to seek Mr Trump's ongoing support for Australia's $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, which has been subjected to a Pentagon review. Australia is contracted to buy three off-the-shelf nuclear submarines from the US before making eight of its own, with the first submarine not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. The US only has to deliver the submarines if it has enough for the US Navy's use - and American shipyards are not on track to meet domestic targets, leading to fears the deal could fall over. On Friday, the Prime Minister said his government was "making sure that Australia has the capability that we need". "We've increased it by $57 billion over the medium term and by more than $10 billion in the short term as well," he told reporters in Sydney. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is preparing to fly to the US for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of discussions between the foreign ministers of Quad alliance nations. Four more Arafura class offshore patrol vessels are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. They boast a greater range of 4000 nautical miles and can perform roles that previously required numerous vessels, with improved living quarters and amenities to better support personnel. The procurement of the new fleet responds to recommendations of the Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and her defence spokesman Angus Taylor this week blasted the government for refusing to commit to higher defence spending. On Friday, Mr Taylor said boosting spending levels was not about doing what the US wanted. "This is not about being bullied," he said. "This is about doing the right thing for our great country, and that's what we want to see." NATO member countries announced this week that they had agreed to spend 5 per cent of their economic output on defence and security, after calls to do so by Mr Trump. This led to increased pressure on Washington's Indo-Pacific allies to do the same, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying countries such as Australia should follow suit. "If our allies in Europe and our NATO allies can do that, I think our allies and our friends in the Asia-Pacific region can do it as well," she said. NATO nations will be expected to spend 3.5 per cent of their gross domestic product on core defence and a further 1.5 per cent on broader security. Australia's defence spending is set to rise from 2 per cent of GDP now to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the Coalition calling for a 3 per cent target within 10 years. With AAP With a cloud hanging over the AUKUS submarine deal and the Opposition attacking the government for refusing to bow to United States pressure to lift Defence spending, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is preparing to celebrate a win. The Albanese government's plan for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy will hit a milestone on Saturday with the addition of the HMAS Arafura. Built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia, the vessel entered Fremantle this week ahead of a commissioning ceremony on Saturday, following testing and evaluation by Defence. Mr Marles said the commissioning of HMAS Arafura "marks an important milestone" and meant the Navy could "continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders". "We will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet," he said. It is the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel of the Navy's surface fleet, with a second - NUSHIP Eyre - having been built and awaiting acceptance by the Navy. On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese resisted pressure to commit a higher proportion of GDP to defence spending, as the US insisted its allies increase their share. The Opposition heaped criticism on Mr Albanese this week over defence spending and the Prime Minister's inability, to date, to secure a make-up meeting or phone call with United States President Donald Trump, who cancelled a face-to-face last week as he left the G7 Leaders' Summit early to deal with the Israel-Iran crisis. Mr Albanese had been expected to seek Mr Trump's ongoing support for Australia's $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, which has been subjected to a Pentagon review. Australia is contracted to buy three off-the-shelf nuclear submarines from the US before making eight of its own, with the first submarine not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. The US only has to deliver the submarines if it has enough for the US Navy's use - and American shipyards are not on track to meet domestic targets, leading to fears the deal could fall over. On Friday, the Prime Minister said his government was "making sure that Australia has the capability that we need". "We've increased it by $57 billion over the medium term and by more than $10 billion in the short term as well," he told reporters in Sydney. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is preparing to fly to the US for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of discussions between the foreign ministers of Quad alliance nations. Four more Arafura class offshore patrol vessels are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. They boast a greater range of 4000 nautical miles and can perform roles that previously required numerous vessels, with improved living quarters and amenities to better support personnel. The procurement of the new fleet responds to recommendations of the Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and her defence spokesman Angus Taylor this week blasted the government for refusing to commit to higher defence spending. On Friday, Mr Taylor said boosting spending levels was not about doing what the US wanted. "This is not about being bullied," he said. "This is about doing the right thing for our great country, and that's what we want to see." NATO member countries announced this week that they had agreed to spend 5 per cent of their economic output on defence and security, after calls to do so by Mr Trump. This led to increased pressure on Washington's Indo-Pacific allies to do the same, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying countries such as Australia should follow suit. "If our allies in Europe and our NATO allies can do that, I think our allies and our friends in the Asia-Pacific region can do it as well," she said. NATO nations will be expected to spend 3.5 per cent of their gross domestic product on core defence and a further 1.5 per cent on broader security. Australia's defence spending is set to rise from 2 per cent of GDP now to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the Coalition calling for a 3 per cent target within 10 years. With AAP With a cloud hanging over the AUKUS submarine deal and the Opposition attacking the government for refusing to bow to United States pressure to lift Defence spending, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is preparing to celebrate a win. The Albanese government's plan for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy will hit a milestone on Saturday with the addition of the HMAS Arafura. Built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia, the vessel entered Fremantle this week ahead of a commissioning ceremony on Saturday, following testing and evaluation by Defence. Mr Marles said the commissioning of HMAS Arafura "marks an important milestone" and meant the Navy could "continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders". "We will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet," he said. It is the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel of the Navy's surface fleet, with a second - NUSHIP Eyre - having been built and awaiting acceptance by the Navy. On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese resisted pressure to commit a higher proportion of GDP to defence spending, as the US insisted its allies increase their share. The Opposition heaped criticism on Mr Albanese this week over defence spending and the Prime Minister's inability, to date, to secure a make-up meeting or phone call with United States President Donald Trump, who cancelled a face-to-face last week as he left the G7 Leaders' Summit early to deal with the Israel-Iran crisis. Mr Albanese had been expected to seek Mr Trump's ongoing support for Australia's $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, which has been subjected to a Pentagon review. Australia is contracted to buy three off-the-shelf nuclear submarines from the US before making eight of its own, with the first submarine not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. The US only has to deliver the submarines if it has enough for the US Navy's use - and American shipyards are not on track to meet domestic targets, leading to fears the deal could fall over. On Friday, the Prime Minister said his government was "making sure that Australia has the capability that we need". "We've increased it by $57 billion over the medium term and by more than $10 billion in the short term as well," he told reporters in Sydney. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is preparing to fly to the US for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of discussions between the foreign ministers of Quad alliance nations. Four more Arafura class offshore patrol vessels are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. They boast a greater range of 4000 nautical miles and can perform roles that previously required numerous vessels, with improved living quarters and amenities to better support personnel. The procurement of the new fleet responds to recommendations of the Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and her defence spokesman Angus Taylor this week blasted the government for refusing to commit to higher defence spending. On Friday, Mr Taylor said boosting spending levels was not about doing what the US wanted. "This is not about being bullied," he said. "This is about doing the right thing for our great country, and that's what we want to see." NATO member countries announced this week that they had agreed to spend 5 per cent of their economic output on defence and security, after calls to do so by Mr Trump. This led to increased pressure on Washington's Indo-Pacific allies to do the same, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying countries such as Australia should follow suit. "If our allies in Europe and our NATO allies can do that, I think our allies and our friends in the Asia-Pacific region can do it as well," she said. NATO nations will be expected to spend 3.5 per cent of their gross domestic product on core defence and a further 1.5 per cent on broader security. Australia's defence spending is set to rise from 2 per cent of GDP now to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the Coalition calling for a 3 per cent target within 10 years. With AAP With a cloud hanging over the AUKUS submarine deal and the Opposition attacking the government for refusing to bow to United States pressure to lift Defence spending, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is preparing to celebrate a win. The Albanese government's plan for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy will hit a milestone on Saturday with the addition of the HMAS Arafura. Built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia, the vessel entered Fremantle this week ahead of a commissioning ceremony on Saturday, following testing and evaluation by Defence. Mr Marles said the commissioning of HMAS Arafura "marks an important milestone" and meant the Navy could "continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders". "We will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet," he said. It is the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel of the Navy's surface fleet, with a second - NUSHIP Eyre - having been built and awaiting acceptance by the Navy. On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese resisted pressure to commit a higher proportion of GDP to defence spending, as the US insisted its allies increase their share. The Opposition heaped criticism on Mr Albanese this week over defence spending and the Prime Minister's inability, to date, to secure a make-up meeting or phone call with United States President Donald Trump, who cancelled a face-to-face last week as he left the G7 Leaders' Summit early to deal with the Israel-Iran crisis. Mr Albanese had been expected to seek Mr Trump's ongoing support for Australia's $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, which has been subjected to a Pentagon review. Australia is contracted to buy three off-the-shelf nuclear submarines from the US before making eight of its own, with the first submarine not expected to join the Australian fleet for years. The US only has to deliver the submarines if it has enough for the US Navy's use - and American shipyards are not on track to meet domestic targets, leading to fears the deal could fall over. On Friday, the Prime Minister said his government was "making sure that Australia has the capability that we need". "We've increased it by $57 billion over the medium term and by more than $10 billion in the short term as well," he told reporters in Sydney. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is preparing to fly to the US for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of discussions between the foreign ministers of Quad alliance nations. Four more Arafura class offshore patrol vessels are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. They boast a greater range of 4000 nautical miles and can perform roles that previously required numerous vessels, with improved living quarters and amenities to better support personnel. The procurement of the new fleet responds to recommendations of the Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and her defence spokesman Angus Taylor this week blasted the government for refusing to commit to higher defence spending. On Friday, Mr Taylor said boosting spending levels was not about doing what the US wanted. "This is not about being bullied," he said. "This is about doing the right thing for our great country, and that's what we want to see." NATO member countries announced this week that they had agreed to spend 5 per cent of their economic output on defence and security, after calls to do so by Mr Trump. This led to increased pressure on Washington's Indo-Pacific allies to do the same, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying countries such as Australia should follow suit. "If our allies in Europe and our NATO allies can do that, I think our allies and our friends in the Asia-Pacific region can do it as well," she said. NATO nations will be expected to spend 3.5 per cent of their gross domestic product on core defence and a further 1.5 per cent on broader security. Australia's defence spending is set to rise from 2 per cent of GDP now to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the Coalition calling for a 3 per cent target within 10 years. With AAP
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Europe talks don't rule out rejecting new US trade deal
European Union leaders have discussed new US proposals for a trade deal, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen not ruling out that tariff talks could fail and saying "all options remain on the table". Time is running out for the bloc to find a common position before a respite from higher tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump expires on July 9, which could hammer exporters from cars to pharmaceuticals. The EU's two biggest economies were apparently at odds at the Brussels summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU to do a "quick and simple" trade deal rather than a "slow and complicated" one. But in a separate briefing, French President Emmanuel Macron, while also wanting a quick and pragmatic trade deal, said his country would not accept terms that were not balanced. All tools must be used to ensure a fair deal and if the US baseline rate of 10 per cent remained in place, then Europe's response would have to have an equivalent impact, he said. "Our goodwill should not be seen as a weakness," Macron added. Von der Leyen said the EU had received the latest US document on Thursday for further negotiations and the bloc was still assessing it. "We are ready for a deal. At the same time, we are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached," she told reporters. "In short, all options remain on the table." The bloc is already subject to US import tariffs of 50 per cent on its steel and aluminium, 25 per cent for cars and car parts along with the 10 per cent tariff on most other EU goods that Trump has threatened could rise to 50 per cent without an agreement. The European Union has agreed, but not imposed, tariffs on 21 billion euros of US goods and is debating a further package of tariffs on up to 95 billion euros of US imports. Among the EU rebalancing options is a tax on digital advertising, which would hit US giants like Alphabet Inc's Google, Meta, Apple, X and Microsoft and eat into the trade surplus in services the US has with the EU. The EU leaders also discussed ideas to carve out a new form of trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, that would be a way of reforming what they see as an ineffective World Trade Organisation. Merz said the idea was in its early stages but could include mechanisms to resolve disputes, as the WTO was meant to do. "You all know that the WTO doesn't work any more," he said. The EU summit follows a NATO meeting this week that agreed to drastically raise defence spending in the military alliance but left some European countries finding it difficult to pay, and Spain explicitly demanding an opt-out. The EU bloc also has to tackle a raft of other issues, including its support for Ukraine and the prospect of EU membership for a country still at war against nuclear-armed Russia. Hungary is firmly opposed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had urged the EU to pass a new sanctions package on Russia targeting its oil trade and banks, as well as to give a clear signal on his country's EU accession. Before the start of the summit however, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would block a vote on the sanctions until his country's concerns on gas supplies were addressed. European Union leaders have discussed new US proposals for a trade deal, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen not ruling out that tariff talks could fail and saying "all options remain on the table". Time is running out for the bloc to find a common position before a respite from higher tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump expires on July 9, which could hammer exporters from cars to pharmaceuticals. The EU's two biggest economies were apparently at odds at the Brussels summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU to do a "quick and simple" trade deal rather than a "slow and complicated" one. But in a separate briefing, French President Emmanuel Macron, while also wanting a quick and pragmatic trade deal, said his country would not accept terms that were not balanced. All tools must be used to ensure a fair deal and if the US baseline rate of 10 per cent remained in place, then Europe's response would have to have an equivalent impact, he said. "Our goodwill should not be seen as a weakness," Macron added. Von der Leyen said the EU had received the latest US document on Thursday for further negotiations and the bloc was still assessing it. "We are ready for a deal. At the same time, we are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached," she told reporters. "In short, all options remain on the table." The bloc is already subject to US import tariffs of 50 per cent on its steel and aluminium, 25 per cent for cars and car parts along with the 10 per cent tariff on most other EU goods that Trump has threatened could rise to 50 per cent without an agreement. The European Union has agreed, but not imposed, tariffs on 21 billion euros of US goods and is debating a further package of tariffs on up to 95 billion euros of US imports. Among the EU rebalancing options is a tax on digital advertising, which would hit US giants like Alphabet Inc's Google, Meta, Apple, X and Microsoft and eat into the trade surplus in services the US has with the EU. The EU leaders also discussed ideas to carve out a new form of trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, that would be a way of reforming what they see as an ineffective World Trade Organisation. Merz said the idea was in its early stages but could include mechanisms to resolve disputes, as the WTO was meant to do. "You all know that the WTO doesn't work any more," he said. The EU summit follows a NATO meeting this week that agreed to drastically raise defence spending in the military alliance but left some European countries finding it difficult to pay, and Spain explicitly demanding an opt-out. The EU bloc also has to tackle a raft of other issues, including its support for Ukraine and the prospect of EU membership for a country still at war against nuclear-armed Russia. Hungary is firmly opposed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had urged the EU to pass a new sanctions package on Russia targeting its oil trade and banks, as well as to give a clear signal on his country's EU accession. Before the start of the summit however, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would block a vote on the sanctions until his country's concerns on gas supplies were addressed. European Union leaders have discussed new US proposals for a trade deal, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen not ruling out that tariff talks could fail and saying "all options remain on the table". Time is running out for the bloc to find a common position before a respite from higher tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump expires on July 9, which could hammer exporters from cars to pharmaceuticals. The EU's two biggest economies were apparently at odds at the Brussels summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU to do a "quick and simple" trade deal rather than a "slow and complicated" one. But in a separate briefing, French President Emmanuel Macron, while also wanting a quick and pragmatic trade deal, said his country would not accept terms that were not balanced. All tools must be used to ensure a fair deal and if the US baseline rate of 10 per cent remained in place, then Europe's response would have to have an equivalent impact, he said. "Our goodwill should not be seen as a weakness," Macron added. Von der Leyen said the EU had received the latest US document on Thursday for further negotiations and the bloc was still assessing it. "We are ready for a deal. At the same time, we are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached," she told reporters. "In short, all options remain on the table." The bloc is already subject to US import tariffs of 50 per cent on its steel and aluminium, 25 per cent for cars and car parts along with the 10 per cent tariff on most other EU goods that Trump has threatened could rise to 50 per cent without an agreement. The European Union has agreed, but not imposed, tariffs on 21 billion euros of US goods and is debating a further package of tariffs on up to 95 billion euros of US imports. Among the EU rebalancing options is a tax on digital advertising, which would hit US giants like Alphabet Inc's Google, Meta, Apple, X and Microsoft and eat into the trade surplus in services the US has with the EU. The EU leaders also discussed ideas to carve out a new form of trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, that would be a way of reforming what they see as an ineffective World Trade Organisation. Merz said the idea was in its early stages but could include mechanisms to resolve disputes, as the WTO was meant to do. "You all know that the WTO doesn't work any more," he said. The EU summit follows a NATO meeting this week that agreed to drastically raise defence spending in the military alliance but left some European countries finding it difficult to pay, and Spain explicitly demanding an opt-out. The EU bloc also has to tackle a raft of other issues, including its support for Ukraine and the prospect of EU membership for a country still at war against nuclear-armed Russia. Hungary is firmly opposed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had urged the EU to pass a new sanctions package on Russia targeting its oil trade and banks, as well as to give a clear signal on his country's EU accession. Before the start of the summit however, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would block a vote on the sanctions until his country's concerns on gas supplies were addressed. European Union leaders have discussed new US proposals for a trade deal, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen not ruling out that tariff talks could fail and saying "all options remain on the table". Time is running out for the bloc to find a common position before a respite from higher tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump expires on July 9, which could hammer exporters from cars to pharmaceuticals. The EU's two biggest economies were apparently at odds at the Brussels summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the EU to do a "quick and simple" trade deal rather than a "slow and complicated" one. But in a separate briefing, French President Emmanuel Macron, while also wanting a quick and pragmatic trade deal, said his country would not accept terms that were not balanced. All tools must be used to ensure a fair deal and if the US baseline rate of 10 per cent remained in place, then Europe's response would have to have an equivalent impact, he said. "Our goodwill should not be seen as a weakness," Macron added. Von der Leyen said the EU had received the latest US document on Thursday for further negotiations and the bloc was still assessing it. "We are ready for a deal. At the same time, we are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached," she told reporters. "In short, all options remain on the table." The bloc is already subject to US import tariffs of 50 per cent on its steel and aluminium, 25 per cent for cars and car parts along with the 10 per cent tariff on most other EU goods that Trump has threatened could rise to 50 per cent without an agreement. The European Union has agreed, but not imposed, tariffs on 21 billion euros of US goods and is debating a further package of tariffs on up to 95 billion euros of US imports. Among the EU rebalancing options is a tax on digital advertising, which would hit US giants like Alphabet Inc's Google, Meta, Apple, X and Microsoft and eat into the trade surplus in services the US has with the EU. The EU leaders also discussed ideas to carve out a new form of trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, that would be a way of reforming what they see as an ineffective World Trade Organisation. Merz said the idea was in its early stages but could include mechanisms to resolve disputes, as the WTO was meant to do. "You all know that the WTO doesn't work any more," he said. The EU summit follows a NATO meeting this week that agreed to drastically raise defence spending in the military alliance but left some European countries finding it difficult to pay, and Spain explicitly demanding an opt-out. The EU bloc also has to tackle a raft of other issues, including its support for Ukraine and the prospect of EU membership for a country still at war against nuclear-armed Russia. Hungary is firmly opposed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had urged the EU to pass a new sanctions package on Russia targeting its oil trade and banks, as well as to give a clear signal on his country's EU accession. Before the start of the summit however, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would block a vote on the sanctions until his country's concerns on gas supplies were addressed.
Perth Now
2 days ago
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Volkswagen Polo, ID. Buzz recalled
Volkswagen is recalling certain examples of its Polo hatch and ID. Buzz electric van and people mover as their front passenger airbag may not function properly. 'Due to a manufacturing issue, the front passenger airbag may be fitted with a faulty gas generator. As a result, the airbag may not deploy as intended,' the company says in its recall notice. 'In the event of airbag deployment in an accident, the front passenger airbag may not provide adequate protection for vehicle occupants which could increase the risk of injury or death.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert A total of 63 vehicles are affected from 2024 to 2025 The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here The original recall notice is attached here If you own an affected vehicle, you'll need to schedule an appointment with an authorised Volkswagen dealership to have the airbag replaced, free of charge. If you have any further questions, you can contact Volkswagen Group Australia on 1800 504 076. MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID. Buzz • Polo
