Tesla Inc. is facing a new challenge in its newest market, India. The company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has been under scrutiny due to reports of multiple accidents and traffic violations, but in India, Tesla is struggling to navigate the country’s complex road network.
Autopilot Visualization Fails to Recognize Tuk-Tuk
A video posted on YouTube shows a Tesla in the Indian city of Mumbai, where the Autopilot visualization perceives a tuk-tuk as “a motorcycle.” The driver comments on the prevalence of tuk-tuks in the city and notes that Tesla needs to better calibrate its software for Indian road conditions.
Tesla in India
Tesla currently offers the Model Y in the Indian market, with two variants: Standard and Long-Range. The Standard variant retails for approximately $67,500, while the Long-Range variant is priced at around $76,600. Both variants are only available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) format.
- Model Y Standard: approximately $67,500
- Model Y Long-Range: approximately $76,600
Customers in India can also choose to pay an additional $6,700 for the FSD package, which Tesla claims will enable the car to “drive itself almost anywhere with minimal driver intervention” via future software updates.
Sales in India Fall Short of Expectations
Despite the excitement around Tesla’s entry into the Indian market, sales have fallen short of expectations. Data from September suggests that the company received over 600 orders for the Model Y in India, which is below the utilization quota of 2,500 cars for the Indian market.
Elon Musk Touts FSD Capabilities
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently touted the FSD system’s capabilities on social media, stating that “Tesla autonomous driving might spread faster than any technology ever.” Musk also claimed that Tesla would be able to grant self-driving capabilities to most of its pre-existing cars with just a software update.
Chinese Sales Decline
Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales in China fell nearly 10% in October, with the company’s Gigafactory in Shanghai selling over 61,497 units of the Model Y and Model 3, including exports. This decline is a significant setback for Tesla’s growth plans in the region.
Future of Mobility
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, companies like Tesla are pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology. However, the challenges faced by Tesla in India and China highlight the complexities of navigating different markets and regulatory environments.
Related News
- Dan Ives Expects Elon Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Plan To Pass, Adam Jonas Warns Of Risks Ahead Of Tesla Vote
- Tesla’s Chinese Momentum Stalls As October Sales Decline Nearly 10%, Exports Down 32% Amid Europe Woes