Tesla eyes competitive edge with full self-driving launch in Europe next year

Tesla is preparing to launch its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in China and Europe during the first quarter of next year, subject to regulatory approval. In a bid to gain the competitive edge in two critical markets.

Bloomberg reports that the company's AI division recently shared a technology release road map on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the forthcoming launch.

Gaining regulatory approval in these regions is crucial for Tesla as it aims to boost sales and maintain an edge over Chinese competitors who are actively developing similar advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Tesla recently passed critical data security reviews and forged a partnership with China’s Baidu on mapping and navigation systems and also received permission to test its FSD technology on Shanghai streets.

Despite being called "Full Self-Driving," Tesla stresses that the software still requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and remain attentive at all times.

During a July earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed optimism that FSD would receive approval in China, Europe, and other global markets by the end of the year.

If Tesla secures approval, the FSD launch could help shore up its market share in China which the China Passenger Car Association reported as dropping by 6% in the first eight months of this year compared to last year.