Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) has set an ambitious timeline for bringing its full self-driving (FSD) technology to Asia and Europe, aiming for a launch in the first quarter of 2025. This move has generated significant industry buzz, with analysts weighing in on its potential impact.
Greg Migliore, editor-in-chief of Real Auto Blog, believes FSD could be a game-changer for Tesla in China, a key market for the electric vehicle (EV) maker. He has personally experienced multiple versions of the technology and notes its improvement over time. However, Migliore acknowledges the learning curve involved for both customers and regulators.
“There is also a learning curve, not just for customers but for regulators. So when things don’t quite work as they often don’t with FSD, you know the government and the regulatory bodies need to figure out how to govern that and enforce things,” he explained.
While Tesla has set a target of Q1 2025 for FSD rollout in China and Europe, Migliore suggests there could be delays as the company adapts the technology to each market’s unique conditions. He views FSD as a “passion project” for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, reflecting his vision for the company’s future and combining artificial intelligence with the automotive industry.
In the context of the current market challenges, Tesla’s stock has performed well, bucking the trend of broader market weakness. This has prompted speculation on whether Tesla can be considered a “defensive autoplay.” Migliore highlights Tesla’s strong brand appeal and consumer confidence, noting that many view the company as the default EV choice. He suggests that Tesla’s resilience is partly due to avoiding major setbacks like those experienced by General Motors Corp. (GM) and Volkswagen AG (VWAGY).
Despite Tesla’s ambitious plans and current market performance, the company’s share price declined by 1.43% to $226.88 in premarket trading on Friday. As Tesla navigates the evolving landscape of self-driving technology and market dynamics, its progress in bringing FSD to new markets will be closely watched by industry analysts and investors alike.
