Tesla has introduced a new driver assistance feature in China, known as “Autopilot automatic assisted driving on urban roads.” This system, similar to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature available in other parts of the world, offers advanced driving capabilities but still requires constant monitoring by the driver.
The Autopilot automatic assisted driving system in China is designed to navigate controlled roads and urban streets, guiding the vehicle through ramp entrances and exits, intersections, and traffic lights. It can also automatically change lanes based on speed and route, providing a more sophisticated driving experience for Tesla owners in the country.
However, Tesla has faced challenges in developing this system in China due to regulatory restrictions on data collection and storage. As a result, the company has had to rely on publicly available footage of Chinese streets for training purposes. Despite these obstacles, Tesla has made progress in improving the capabilities of its Autopilot automatic assisted driving system.
Compared to other autonomous driving systems developed by Chinese automakers, Tesla’s system may be considered a mid-tier version. However, Tesla has partnered with Baidu to access mapping data, which could help enhance the system’s performance and catch up to competitors in the region.
It is unclear why Tesla has chosen not to market the Autopilot automatic assisted driving system in China as Full Self-Driving, as it has done in other markets. This decision may be related to the competitive landscape in China or regulatory considerations. In the past, Tesla has faced legal challenges over its Autopilot and FSD marketing, leading to a renaming of the system to FSD (Supervised) in some regions.
Overall, Tesla’s introduction of the Autopilot automatic assisted driving system in China represents a significant step forward in the development of autonomous driving technology. While the system may not yet match the capabilities of FSD in other markets, it demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to innovation and improving the driving experience for its customers worldwide.