Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the company’s robotaxi service will be launched in China on August 8. Musk’s decision to choose this date is rooted in the cultural significance of the number 8, considered lucky in Chinese culture.
The news follows Musk’s recent visit to China, where he obtained approval to deploy Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in the country. This development has significantly boosted Tesla’s stock, with its value surging by over 15%.
The decision to introduce the robotaxi service on August 8 has generated excitement among Tesla enthusiasts. It should be noted that Tesla had previously expressed plans to operate robotaxis by 2020, but those plans did not materialize.
Tesla has also finalized a substantial data agreement with Baidu, a prominent Chinese internet giant. This agreement, along with the approval for FSD, represents major achievements for Musk and his company in China, which is Tesla’s second-largest market after the United States.
During his visit to Beijing, Musk aims to discuss the implementation of autonomous driving mode in Tesla vehicles specifically for the Chinese market. Musk has acknowledged the fierce competition posed by Chinese automakers, whom he called “the most competitive car companies in the world.”
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has assured Musk that China’s vast market will remain open to foreign-funded enterprises. This latest development marks a significant milestone for Tesla as it expands its footprint in the thriving Chinese market.
