Elon Musk Visits China Sparks Discussions on Full Self-Driving and EV Growth
Elon Musk Visits China to Discuss Full Self-Driving and Data Transfer
Elon Musk made an unexpected trip to Beijing to engage in talks with top officials regarding the introduction of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and negotiating data transfer abroad.
Sources confirm Musk's arrival in Beijing on April 28, 2024, via his private jet, as reported by Reuters TV.
Musk's Meetings with Premier Li Qiang and Ren Hongbin
According to Chinese state media reports, Musk met with Premier Li Qiang during his visit. Premier Li acknowledged Tesla's growth in China as a successful example of U.S.-China economic relations.
Elon Musk visits China as Tesla seeks rollout of self-driving tech https://t.co/5dDZE1o0pW
— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) April 28, 2024
Source: Twitter/Nikkei Asia
Musk later confirmed the meeting with Premier Li in a post on the social media platform X, expressing his honor and longstanding acquaintance with the premier.
Additionally, Musk met with Ren Hongbin, who heads the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, according to state media reports.
Discussions on Full Self-Driving and Data Transfer
Elon Musk visits China aimed to secure approval for transferring data collected in China overseas to enhance autonomous driving technology development.
Despite Tesla's significant presence in China since establishing its Shanghai factory in 2018, FSD software has yet to be launched in the country, where Tesla boasts a substantial customer base.
Emphasis on Electric Vehicle Growth
Elon Musk visits china coincided with discussions on the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in China. He expressed optimism about the future of EVs, stating that he believes all cars will eventually be electric.
Musk's visit also followed the release of a list of compliant car models by a prominent Chinese auto association, which included Tesla's Model Y and Model 3.
Tesla’s Presence at the Beijing Auto Show and Beyond
While Musk's visit aligned with the ongoing Beijing auto show, Tesla notably did not have a booth at the event this year. Despite this, Tesla's success in China has been significant, with over 1.7 million cars sold since its entry into the market.
However, concerns about Tesla's growth trajectory have led to a decline in its shares, and the company recently reported its first quarterly revenue decrease since 2020.
Focus on Autonomous Driving Technologies
Elon Musk's visit also highlighted Tesla's leadership in autonomous driving research and development, with an emphasis on its "end-to-end neural network" technology.
Grace Tao, Tesla's vice president overseeing external relations in China, underscored the importance of autonomous driving technologies in propelling the growth of the EV industry in her commentary on the social media account of the People's Daily.
Future Plans for Tesla in China and Beyond
Musk announced plans to introduce new, more affordable models using existing EV platforms and production lines, as well as unveiling a new "robotaxi" equipped with self-driving technology in the near future. As Tesla continues to navigate challenges and opportunities in China and globally,
Musk's visit underscores the company's commitment to innovation and growth in the EV sector.
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