Elon Musk visits China, eyes local full self-driving tech launch

Photo credit: Tesla

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is expected to have talks in Beijing about the potential launch of the electric vehicle firm’s full self-driving (FSD) software and discuss permissions to move data overseas, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Musk had visited China unannounced, saying on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday that he had met with Premier Li Qiang. “We have known each other now for many years, since early Shanghai days,” the CEO added.

Tesla had inked a deal for a factory in Shanghai in 2018, and Musk announced earlier this month that FSD would be available in China “very soon.”

To help with the self-driving feature’s launch, Tesla is also said to be working with Baidu for mapping and navigation, Bloomberg reported citing sources briefed on the situation.

The company is also reportedly planning to release cheaper models and a self-driving “robotaxi” to maintain market leadership.

China’s complex traffic helps train self-driving technologies quickly, Reuters said, citing industry experts. Other EV firms, including Chinese player Xpeng, are also looking to launch FSD software of their own.

Meanwhile, General Motors’ CEO Mary Barra also reportedly visited China during a prominent auto show last week.

Additionally, Musk wants to use Chinese data to improve Tesla’s self-driving tech globally. Since 2021, Tesla has stored Chinese fleet data in Shanghai, following local laws.

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