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.

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.

Volkswagen and Uber are teaming up to deploy a fleet of thousands of all-electric, fully autonomous robotaxis. The companies said in a press release Thursday that the ID Buzz AD minivans will launch in "multiple" US markets over the next decade, starting in Los Angeles next year. Testing is expected to begin later this year, the companies said.