Tesla CEO Elon Musk made an unexpected visit to Beijing, where he met with Premier Li Qiang to discuss the rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and data transfer permissions. This visit comes after Tesla cleared regulatory hurdles in China, paving the way for a potential launch of FSD in the country.
FSD, the most advanced version of Tesla’s driver assistant features, offers capabilities like self-parking and auto lane changes. Musk has long touted FSD as a significant revenue source for Tesla, but regulatory scrutiny and safety concerns have delayed its full implementation.
In a bid to boost adoption, Tesla recently slashed the price of FSD and introduced subscription options. However, limited features have been available in China due to data security concerns. Musk is seeking approval to transfer data collected in China overseas to enhance autonomous driving technologies.
If FSD is fully rolled out in China, it could give Tesla a competitive edge in the country’s lucrative auto market. The move would also align with China’s push for innovation and competition in autonomous technologies. Additionally, it could help Tesla offset declining EV sales and diversify its offerings.
The potential approval of FSD in China signals a positive step in improving foreign investment sentiment in the country. It also reflects China’s commitment to fostering competition and innovation in the tech sector. Overall, the approval of FSD could have far-reaching implications for both Tesla and the Chinese market.