Tesla’s “full self-driving” technology faces potential delay in China
Tesla could see a potential holdup in obtaining approval for its “full self-driving” technology in China — a potential blow to the company in its second-biggest market.
According to sources reported by the Financial Times, the EV company has been told that there’s no definitive timetable for regulatory approval of its autonomous driving technology, despite previous expectations that it would get a green light in the second quarter of this year.
If the license is granted, the system will accelerate, steer, brake, and change lanes autonomously but will still require drivers to be alert with their hands on the wheel.
The news comes at a tough time for the American carmaker’s business, with sales dropping across the world as competition ramps up in some of its key markets. China is no exception, with local players like BYD — which accounted for 27% of all new EV sales in China in January, compared to Tesla’s 4.5% market share — dominating sales in the country.
If the license is granted, the system will accelerate, steer, brake, and change lanes autonomously but will still require drivers to be alert with their hands on the wheel.
The news comes at a tough time for the American carmaker’s business, with sales dropping across the world as competition ramps up in some of its key markets. China is no exception, with local players like BYD — which accounted for 27% of all new EV sales in China in January, compared to Tesla’s 4.5% market share — dominating sales in the country.
