Tesla and Baidu Partner Up for Self-Driving Cars in China

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Elon Musk’s Tesla and Chinese internet giant Baidu are teaming up to pave the way for self-driving cars on China’s roads. The collaboration aims to gather data for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system and develop lane-level navigation specifically tailored for Chinese roads.

 

During a surprise visit to China, Musk met with Premier Li Qiang to seek government approvals for rolling out the FSD software in the country. Despite launching the FSD system four years ago, Tesla has yet to introduce it in China, its second-largest market.

 

In China, companies must acquire a mapping qualification to develop self-driving cars, often requiring partnerships with domestic firms. Tesla's collaboration with Baidu's mapping service enables it to legally operate its FSD software on Chinese roads.

 

The partnership signals progress for electric vehicles in China, a market Musk believes will see all cars becoming electric in the future. Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y EVs have been tested and found to comply with China's data security regulations.

 

However, despite Tesla's advancements, the company's stocks have faced challenges this year, with profits declining by nearly 20% in the first quarter compared to the previous year. Musk's ambitious promise of a fleet of Tesla robotaxis by 2020 remains unfulfilled.

 

It's important to note that Tesla's FSD system, despite its name, still requires drivers to remain vigilant and ready to intervene as the cars cannot fully drive themselves.

 

Musk's visit to China is seen as an opportunity for Tesla to enhance its FSD technology with more data on Chinese roads and traffic. Analysts believe that gaining approval to transfer data collected in China abroad could significantly accelerate Tesla's autonomous technology globally.

 

Premier Li Qiang praised Tesla's operations in China as a successful example of economic cooperation between China and the US. This collaboration underscores the potential for innovation and partnership in advancing self-driving technology on a global scale.

 

2024-04-30

 

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