Tesla's Autonomous Driving System Awaits Approval in China

Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that the car manufacturer's Autonomous Driving Software is expected to receive full approval in China as a driver assistance system early next year.

Elon Musk mentioned during the company's annual general meeting, "We have partial approval in China, and I hope we will get full approval around February or March." Although China is an important market for Tesla, its market share has fallen to %8 in the previous quarter. This percentage had reached a peak of %15.4 in the first quarter of 2023. Local brands are typically gaining customers by offering similar driving assistance features without charging extra.

The system, commonly known as FSD, has been partially approved in China since February. Previously, Tesla owners could use a less advanced and cheaper autopilot option. However, for years some Chinese Tesla buyers preferred to pay 64,000 yuan (approximately 9,000 dollars) for FSD, as they expected full implementation would not take long. The inability to approve FSD has been a major source of contention between owners and the car manufacturer.

With partial approval, FSD lags behind its capabilities in the United States in China. There is no permission for gear shifting, meaning that the vehicle cannot completely move from one parking space to another by itself. The system has also struggled to recognize local traffic signs on Chinese roads.

(Exchange rate: $1 = 7.1230 Chinese yuan)